Marine biologists have discovered a massive 15-feet mako shark –– possibly the largest of the species –– in the waters off California. The team of experts tracked down this mega shark in the Pacific Ocean.
The team, led by marine biologist Tristan Guttridge, launched the search after tourists reported sightings of a mako measuring more than 12 ft off the coast of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.
The daredevil discovery was featured in the “Biggest Mako on Earth” episode of Shark Week that aired on the Discovery Channel earlier this week.
They spotted two large sharks measuring just over 11 feet and 12 feet, respectively, during the expedition. Since adult female makos can grow to 12 feet, it wasn’t the creature they were looking for.
Discovery
They continued the search in the cooler waters surrounding Catalina Island off the California coast. Just as the experts were about to end their mission, a huge female mako shark made its way towards their boat and tore a piece of tuna to shreds –– the bait that the team was using to attract the marine mammals.
When the first shark arrived, Guttridge used cameras to measure the animal, while inside a steel cage for safety. Though the team of experts couldn’t get its exact measurements, the third mako easily surpassed the one that measured 12 feet.
“We didn’t get a precise measurement, but it is very possible that last mako broke the 13-foot ceiling,” Documentary producer and marine biologist Kendyl Berna said, reports the Daily Mail.
“We know there are bigger makos out here,” Berna said.
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During the documentary episode, Clara Calatayud, who had initially spotted the mammoth shark, took Guttridge back to the spot where the tourist group had first seen it.
“The team that saw this shark, they’ve spent time in the water with these, so this was definitely a massive animal,’ Guttridge said.
The 38th annual Shark Week began on July 26, but there’s still six whole days of shark-themed programming on the way from Discovery Chanel. Shark Week 2026’s programming slate includes 20 new premieres, including the return of some fan-favorite franchises, like “Air Jaws: Red, White and Breach.”
