Hammerhead shark

Hammerhead shark

Hammerhead Shark - Marko Dimitrijevic

Eusphyra blochii csiro-nfc

EN IUCN 3 1

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Sphyrna corona SI3

Hammerhead shark refers to a group of sharks belonging to the family Sphyrnidae. These sharks are easily recognizable by their distinctive hammer-shaped heads, known as a "cephalofoil." This unique structure is thought to enhance sensory reception, allowing the shark to better detect prey, navigate, and communicate. Hammerhead sharks are found in warm waters around the globe, from coastal regions to offshore environments.

Description

Hammerhead sharks vary in size, color, and behavior among the different species. The most notable feature, the cephalofoil, varies in shape and size among the species as well. This adaptation provides improved binocular vision, as the eyes are positioned on the ends of the cephalofoil, and enhances the shark's electroreception capabilities, crucial for hunting. These sharks are also known for their long, slender bodies and tall, sickle-shaped fins.

Species

There are several species within the Sphyrnidae family, including but not limited to:

• Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), which is perhaps the most well-known and widely distributed species.
• Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), the largest of all hammerhead species, known for its solitary nature.
• Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo), the smallest hammerhead species, which has a distinct shovel-shaped head.

Habitat and Distribution

Hammerhead sharks are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide. They tend to prefer coastal areas and continental shelves, though some species, like the great hammerhead, are known to venture into deeper waters. These sharks are highly migratory, with some species traveling long distances to reach feeding or breeding grounds.

Behavior

Hammerhead sharks exhibit a range of behaviors that are quite fascinating. They are known to be social creatures, with some species forming schools during the day. These schools can consist of up to 100 individuals and disperse at night when the sharks go hunting. Their diet primarily consists of fish, squid, octopuses, and crustaceans. Some larger species may also prey on smaller sharks, including other hammerheads.

Reproduction

Hammerhead sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. After a gestation period, which varies by species, females give birth to litters ranging from a few to several dozen pups. Unlike many other shark species, hammerheads do not exhibit parental care once the pups are born.

Conservation

Several species of hammerhead sharks are currently listed as endangered or vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to overfishing, bycatch, and habitat loss. Their distinctive fins are highly valued in certain cultures for use in shark fin soup, making them a target for fishermen. Conservation efforts include protective legislation, fishing restrictions, and the creation of marine protected areas.

See Also

• Shark conservation
• Marine biology
• Endangered species

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