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Browse the 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand
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Graphic: An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand 1966.

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This information was published in 1966 in An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock. It has not been corrected and will not be updated.

Up-to-date information can be found elsewhere in Te Ara.

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SHARK, MAKO

The mako shark (Isurus oxyrhinchus) is a well-known “big game” fish common in North Auckland waters. A record-sized specimen in the Auckland Museum is 11 ft 6 in. in length and weighed 798 lb. The species occurs also in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales, where it is known as the blue pointer or snapper shark. This shark is electric blue above and white below, has a pointed snout, and sharp awl-like teeth. It preys on kahawai and other fish, and is, according to anglers, the only local shark that will take a fast-moving bait. The Maoris prized the teeth of the mako as ear ornaments.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.

Co-creator

Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.