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There are two different varieties of mako sharks: shortfin and longfin. These sharks are very similar. Scientists know a lot more about shortfin mako sharks, as they’re more common and tend to swim closer to the surface of the ocean. It wasn’t until the mid-1960s that scientists even realized that longfin mako sharks are a different species, and they are still learning more about these larger, deeper-swimming cousins of the shortfin mako shark. Mako sharks are easily identifiable by their brilliant blue coloring, pointy noses, mouths full of teeth, and large, muscular tails. The dorsal (top) side of their bodies range from metallic blue to deep indigo, allowing them to easily blend in with the ocean’s surface, making them nearly invisible to their prey (and to humans who could potentially harm them). This deep blue color is one of the hallmarks of mako sharks, and one of the things (other than their smaller size) that differentiate them from their close relatives, great white sharks.

Fishermen target the mako shark for its blue coloring.

This beautiful coloring makes the mako shark one of the most sought-after ocean animals for their skin. The bright blue coloring eventually fades into the

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