Mako shark
Isurus oxyrinchus
Not Kosher
Has fins but no scales
Fins
Yes
Scales
No
Description
The shortfin mako shark, also known as the shortfin mako, blue pointer, or bonito shark, is a species of large mackerel shark. It is commonly referred to as the mako shark, as is the longfin mako shark.
Mako is one of the more commonly eaten sharks, with firm, meaty flesh that's grilled or sold as steaks. Because of conservation and mercury concerns, many guides now advise against eating it.
The shortfin mako is a fast, open-ocean shark found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, ranging far across the high seas. It's caught both commercially and by sport anglers.
Also known as
- Shortfin Mako
- Bonito Shark
- Blue Pointer
Mako shark in foreign languages
| Scientific | Isurus oxyrinchus |
| Hebrew | עמלץ כחול |
| Arabic | قرش ماكو قصير الزعنف |
| Spanish | Tiburón mako |
| Portuguese | Tubarão-mako |
| French | Requin-taupe bleu |
| German | Kurzflossen-Mako |
| Greek | Ρυγχοκαρχαρίας |
| Russian | Мако |
| Turkish | Sivriburun camgöz |
| Chinese | 尖吻鯖鯊 |
| Japanese | アオザメ |
| Korean | 청상아리 |
| Bengali | শর্টফিন মকো শার্ক |
| Vietnamese | Cá mập mako vây ngắn |
| Indonesian | Hiu mako sirip-pendek |
Gallery
Warnings & Kosher Issues
- A shark has fins but no true scales, so it is not kosher.
- The shortfin mako is listed as endangered, and its catch is increasingly restricted.
- Mako accumulates high levels of mercury, more so in larger fish, making it a poor choice for frequent eating.