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Shortfin mako shark

Shortfin mako sharks can reach incredible speeds of up to 70 km/hr. Photo © Sebastian Staines.
Their hydrodynamic skin has been used as inspiration for swimwear, which was banned from some international competitions because of its potential hydrodynamic advantage (although some scientists have now disputed this). Photo © Sebastian Staines.
The key to the shortfin’s athleticism is its specially adapted skin. All shark skin is made up of teeth-like scales, called dermal denticles, that reduce drag. But on a shortfin mako they vary in size and shape, and the denticles are flexible on certain parts of the body that experience the most water flow. This allows them to bend at an angle of 40 degrees – an action known as ‘bristling’ – which helps to push water over the body more efficiently. Photo © Sebastian Staines.

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