This is a photograph of shortfin mako shark scales which each measure about 0.2 millimeters in length. The front row of scales has been manually bristled to their maximum angle of about 50 degrees ...

The mako shark landed on a Churchys Charters NZ fishing boat in the waters near Whitianga, New Zealand Kelli Bender is the Pets Editor at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2013.