Hammerhead sharks are one of the most unique species of sharks, known for their distinctive "hammer" or "t-shaped" head. There are actually 9 different species of hammerhead sharks, found in all oceans. Hammerhead sharks are one of the most easily recognizable sharks due to their unique head shape, all species are also becoming more and more rare to spot.
Let’s look at some cool hammerhead shark facts!
Different species of hammerhead sharks
There are 9 different species of hammerhead that we know of today. All have the same distinctive shape head, except for the bonnethead shark that has a more rounded shape head (also sometimes known as shovelhead shark…add the saw shark and it’s a toolbox!)
The biggest of these species is the great hammerhead shark, which can reach up to 6 meters long. Scalloped hammerheads are slightly smaller and are a favorite amongst divers, as they tend to congregate in huge schools. Places like Cocos, Malpelo or South Egypt are famous dive sites for potential sightings of schools with hundreds of individuals.
Some of the other species are much less known or much smaller sharks, such as the small-eye hammerhead or scoop-head sharks.
Anatomy and feeding
Hammerhead sharks have a unique and distinctive appearance due to their head shape. The shape of their head is thought to enhance their sensory abilities, as it contains electroreceptors that allow them to detect the electrical fields generated by their prey. The eyes of hammerhead sharks are positioned on either end of their head, giving them excellent vision and depth perception.
All of these abilities make them good hunters, they feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. Bigger hammerhead sharks often go for bigger prey such as stingrays or bigger fish like tunas.
Reproduction
Female hammerhead sharks typically produce relatively small litters, ranging from 6 to 50 pups. The gestation period can last anywhere from six to 11 months, depending on the species. Once the pups are fully developed, they are born alive and fully formed, just much smaller than their mother!
Once they are born, like many other shark species they are left to fend for themselves and survive independently. Hammerhead sharks do not exhibit parental care or protection towards their offspring. The newborn pups must rely on their own instincts and capabilities to navigate their marine environment, find food, and avoid potential predators.
Habitat and where to see them
Hammerhead sharks can be found in a variety of habitats, including shallow coastal waters, coral reefs, and deep oceanic waters. Some species of hammerhead sharks are known to migrate long distances in search of food or breeding grounds. These beautiful animals are found in tropical and temperate waters around the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
If you want to see hammerhead sharks in the wild, there are a few places around the world where you can go. The Galapagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador, are known for their large populations of scalloped hammerhead sharks. In Hawaii, you can see schools of hammerhead sharks swimming near the island of Oahu. Other popular places to see hammerhead sharks include the Bahamas, the Maldives, Malpelo (Colombia), Socorro (Mexico), and Cocos Island (Costa Rica).
Threats
Like many species of sharks, hammerhead sharks face a number of threats in the wild, the biggest one being overfishing. These sharks are often caught accidentally in fishing nets, and their fins are highly prized for use in shark fin soup.
Habitat loss and degradation is another threat facing hammerhead sharks, caused by human activities such as coastal development and pollution.
Hammerhead sharks are one of the most unique and fascinating species of sharks in the world. It is crucial to protect these fascinating creatures and their ocean habitats to ensure their survival for future generations.
If you are interested in ocean's conservation, check out the great work of The Ocean Clean Up and Saving The Blue, two organisations that we proudly support!
Do you like sharks? Read more about other species like silky shark or whale shark on our blog!
