The Great White and what other shark are warm-blooded?

The Great White and Shortfin Mako are warm-blooded. They are both endothermic, "endo" meaning within and have a heat exchange circulatory system. They can raise their temperature considerably higher than that of the water. The increase of temperature is generated by its internal bodily functions, increasing the rate at which they metabolize fats and sugars.

This increase in temperature is needed when hunting where bursts of high speed are required. The Mako is the fastest shark, reaching speeds up to 56mph. They are blue colored on their top half and white underneath. This serves as camouflage to aid in hunting. When attacking prey from below or if hooked while fishing, they have been known to leap up to 30 ft in the air. Makos actually leaping into fishing boats has been reported.

Makos have been seen all over the globe from the U.S. to Chile. They prefer warmer waters and are seldom found in water colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Average adults range around 10 ft in length and weigh between 132-298 lbs. A few larger have been caught, one being 12ft long and a weight of 1,260 lbs. Both sexes have very sharp, needle-like teeth that stick out of the mouth even when closed.

Males live up to 29 yrs, Females 32 yrs. Females give birth to live young on average every 3 yrs. The young (4-18 pups) are born in the late winter after a 15-18 month gestation period.Prey consists mostly of bony fish such as mackerel, tuna, bonito, swordfish, and sea turtles.