Hammerhead sharks are members of the family Sphyrnidae, a group of distinctive and highly specialized sharks within the order Carcharhiniformes. Their most notable feature is the cephalofoil, a flattened and laterally expanded head that resembles a hammer. This unique adaptation provides enhanced sensory capabilities, improved maneuverability, and better prey detection. Sphyrnidae includes several species of hammerhead sharks, ranging from small to large, and they inhabit warm, temperate, and tropical oceans around the world.
- Family: Sphyrnidae
- Unique head structure: cephalofoil
- Enhanced sensory perception due to widely spaced eyes and electroreceptors
- Found in warm and temperate marine waters worldwide
- Great diversity in size and species within the family
*Sphyrnidae*
Cephalofoil
Improved sensory perception and better maneuverability
Warm and temperate oceans
Hammer-shaped head and cartilaginous skeleton
Carcharhiniformes
Major Species of Hammerhead Sharks
Great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, and smooth hammerhead
Several species within the Sphyrnidae family showcase variations in the shape and size of the cephalofoil, as well as in their behavior and habitat preferences. Here are some of the most well-known hammerhead shark species:
- Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran): The largest species, with a nearly straight cephalofoil and can grow up to 6 meters long. Known for powerful jaws and a preference for large prey.
- Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini): Recognized by the scalloped edges of the cephalofoil. Highly social, often seen in large schools, and considered endangered.
- Smooth Hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena): Features a smooth, rounded cephalofoil without notches. Prefers cooler waters compared to other hammerheads.
- Smalleye Hammerhead (Sphyrna tiburo): One of the smaller species, with narrow cephalofoil and distinctive small eyes. Often inhabits coastal and estuarine environments.
- Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo): Known for a shovel-shaped head and omnivorous diet, including seagrass. Smallest among hammerheads.
- Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran): Largest species; nearly straight cephalofoil; up to 6 m long.
- Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini): Cephalofoil with scalloped edges; highly social; endangered.
- Smooth Hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena): Smooth, rounded cephalofoil; prefers cooler waters.
- Smalleye Hammerhead (Sphyrna tiburo): Narrow cephalofoil; small eyes; coastal/estuarine habitats.
- Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo): Shovel-shaped head; omnivorous; smallest hammerhead.
Great hammerhead (*Sphyrna mokarran*)
Scalloped hammerhead (*Sphyrna lewini*)
Distribution and Habitat
Tropical and subtropical oceans, coastal waters, and continental shelves
Hammerhead sharks primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans, with some species venturing into temperate zones. They are commonly found along continental shelves, in coastal waters, and occasionally in estuaries. Their distribution varies among species, with:
- Great Hammerheads: Warm coastal waters and coral reefs.
- Scalloped Hammerheads: Oceanic islands and continental shelves; known for migratory schooling.
- Smooth Hammerheads: More temperate waters compared to other hammerheads.
- Bonnetheads & Smalleye Hammerheads: Shallow coastal waters and estuaries.
No
Yes
Tropical seas, temperate seas, and coastal regions
Notable Species in Sphyrnidae
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Distinctive Feature | Typical Habitat | Max Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Hammerhead | Sphyrna mokarran | Straight cephalofoil | Tropical/temporal coasts | ~6 m |
| Scalloped Hammerhead | Sphyrna lewini | Scalloped edges on cephalofoil | Continental shelves | ~4 m |
| Smooth Hammerhead | Sphyrna zygaena | Rounded cephalofoil | Temperate waters | ~4 m |
| Bonnethead | Sphyrna tiburo | Rounded, shovel-like head | Coastal/estuarine | ~1.5 m |
| Smalleye Hammerhead | Sphyrna tudes | Narrow cephalofoil, small eyes | Coastal estuaries | ~1.2 m |
Great hammerhead
Coastal waters and continental shelves
Conclusion
Hammerhead sharks of the family Sphyrnidae are remarkable for their distinctive cephalofoil, which provides unique advantages in sensing and capturing prey. Several species, including the great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, and bonnethead, illustrate the diversity within this group. Found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters, hammerheads reveal fascinating adaptations that set them apart from other sharks.
- Unique cephalofoil enhances sensory perception and maneuverability.
- Notable species include Sphyrna mokarran (great hammerhead) and Sphyrna lewini (scalloped hammerhead).
- Inhabit warm coastal waters, continental shelves, and some estuaries.
Cephalofoil-shaped head and enhanced electroreception
Tropical and subtropical regions
Sphyrnidae