Hammerhead Shark

Scientific Name: Sphyrna spp.

Category: fish

Hammerhead Shark

Brief Description

A distinctive shark species easily recognized by its flattened, T-shaped head structure called a cephalofoil.

Characteristics

Flat, laterally extended head with eyes at the tips; grey to brown dorsal color with white belly; tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin; smooth skin.

Habitat

Coastal and offshore tropical and warm-temperate waters; often found near continental shelves and island drop-offs.

When to Find It

Active year-round, but often migrates to cooler waters during summer months.

Conservation Status

Varies by species; Scalloped and Great Hammerheads are Critically Endangered.

Ecological Role

Apex predator that maintains the balance of marine ecosystems by regulating prey populations like stingrays and smaller fish.

Easily Confused With

Other hammerhead species like the Bonnethead shark, which is smaller with a spade-shaped rather than T-shaped head.

Observation Tips

Best observed while scuba diving in known aggregation spots like the Galapagos or Cocos Islands; maintain a respectful distance to avoid scaring them.

Interesting Facts

The cephalofoil acts like a wing for better maneuverability and is packed with sensory organs to detect the electrical fields of prey buried in sand.