Fisheries Infosite

Mako Shark 1 - 10 (Combined) (MAK1)
Maori name
Scientific name
Isurus oxyrinchus

Physical characteristics

Mako Shark are blue to blue-grey on top and bright white on the underside. They are thought to grow to a maximum length of around 400 cm, but the largest reliably measured was 366 cm.

Life cycle

Mako Shark has a maximum age of 29 years. Maturity is reached at 275-285 cm length and 19-21 years for females and 180-185 cm length and 7-9 years for males. It is thought that Mako Shark have a 2-3 year reproductive cycle with an 18 month gestation period.

Habitat

Mako Shark are most commonly found around the North Island, but are also present on the west coast of the South Island and depths of 0-500 m. They are pelagic predators of other sharks, bony fish and squid.

 
Key statistics
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025