Watch This Hooked Mako Shark Give The Acrobatic Performance Of A Lifetime

Featured Image Credit: Grind TV
By Kira Krall

A family aboard a private charter off the coast of Dana Point, California, got quite the show after a surprise guest made an appearance during their fishing trip. Watch the video here!

What they caught was the fastest shark in the ocean, clocking in at 45 miles per hour: a mako shark. Their day had previously been filled with catching California yellowtail before the shark crashed the party. It was likely taking a peek at its potential dinner when it got hooked.   

The mako leaped almost instantly in an attempt to free itself. Anglers aboard the boat kept it on the line, but after a couple of jumps, they realized that the power and size of this shark would ultimately keep them from reeling it in.

Mako sharks are literally built for speed. Their torpedo-shaped body that you can see in the above photo is the most hydrodynamic shape in the animal kingdom. Its fins are short and stubby which helps reduce drag. Their tail fin is hydrodynamic but helps the shark generate a LOT of force. Image Credit: Patrick Doll

Speed is great, but maintaining it is even better. Mako sharks have a sophisticated circulatory system that keeps their muscle temperature a full 8 degrees higher than the surrounding water. Warmer muscles mean the shark can sprint and sustain speed at the drop of a fish!

Image Credit: Huffington Post

Glance at the characteristically large eyes of a mako shark in the above photo. They help the shark spot prey, and their speed helps them catch it. These abilities are especially helpful in the open ocean that the makos call home.

Mako sharks all over the world are known for on-line acrobatics.