Shortfin mako sharks are speed demons. They can swim up to 45 miles per hour (that’s as fast as a horse can run). This comes in handy when they go after fast prey like dolphins, mackerels and other sharks. Shortfin mako sharks are specially designed to reach those top speeds: They have strong muscles and a streamlined body that allows them to power through the water in fast bursts. Shortfin mako sharks also have specialized blood vessels that allow them to keep their body temperatures higher than the surrounding water. This system, called a counter-current heat exchange, allows warm blood to transfer heat to the cold water coming in through their gills, ensuring they always feel toasty. This allows them to be powerful swimmers and travel long distances. Shortfin mako sharks has are among other fish that possess this warming technique; other Laminid sharks like great whites as well as other fish like tuna, swordfish and marlin have this ability as well.