Hammerhead Shark

There are nine species of hammerhead sharks worldwide in the family Sphyyrnidae. The Great Hammerhead is the largest reaching a length up to 20 feet and weighing as much as 1,000 pounds. These sharks are named for the unusual shape of their head which is flattened forming two lobes which extend out to the side. The hammerhead with its strangely shaped head is somewhat of a mystery although scientists have recently discovered that the odd shape improves their vision, making them excellent hunters.

Hammerheads are known for their schooling behavior and consume a variety of prey including rays, other sharks, fish, squid, and crustaceans.

Fun Facts:

Although they prefer to eat rays, lobsters, crabs, squid, and boney fish, they are known to practice cannibalism.

Stingray spines are often found lodged in their head and mouth.

The Great Hammerhead weighs about the same as a piano.

A pregnant female will carry her eggs for 8-10 months.

Hammerheads give live birth to pups that were hatched from egg cases inside the female’s uterus. They give birth to many pups in one litter, sometimes as many as 40.

Of the nine species, only one (the Great Hammerhead) is considered a danger to humans because of its large size and aggressive nature.