Mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) are known as the "Peregrine falcons of the sea" for their incredible speed, determination in attacking their prey, and precision in catching them. Although there aren't many studies about the speed these sharks can reach, data has shown makos exceeding 46 miles per hour (around 76 km/h)... but it is believed they can reach an incredible speed of 120 km/h!
This video captured (and is also a unique sample of) the extraordinary swimming ability of these predators. This mako was recorded in Ocean City, on the Atlantic coast of the United States, with a camera housed at the stern of a fishing boat trying to catch another great predator vying for the top spot in speed: the sailfish.
This boat is moving at only 7 knots (about 13 km/h), which, considering the speeds our protagonist can reach, doesn't seem to represent a great challenge for him. But it allows us to see the precision with which it captures its prey, how after snatching the bait from the hook, it lets the boat go a few meters and reaches it again within seconds, showing us all its power.
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