When it comes to sharks, the hammerhead species is no doubt some of the most fascinating of the lot. Their unique head shape, known as a cephalofoil, sets them apart and serves a vital purpose by enhancing their ability to navigate and hunt. Specifically, this shape allows them to better detect the tiny electric pulses produced by every living creature in the water.
These remarkable features make hammerhead shark species a captivating subject for scientists and marine enthusiasts alike. Understanding the different types of hammerhead sharks is an important step toward effective conservation efforts.
How Many Species of Hammerhead Sharks are There?
There are currently 10 recognized species of hammerhead sharks worldwide. This diverse group is unmistakable with their characteristic hammer and shovel-shaped heads and can be found in warm waters globally.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 different types of hammerhead sharks and uncover their ecological importance to our planet and its oceans.
GREAT HAMMERHEAD
The great hammerhead (Sphryna mokarran) is the largest of all hammerhead shark species, with some speculated to reach lengths of up to 20 feet, though they are about 12 feet long on average. This formidable predator is easily recognized by its wide, T-shaped cephalofoil and tall, curved dorsal fin.
Found in coastal and pelagic waters around the world, these sharks are known for their solitary nature and impressive hunting skills. This hammerhead shark species preys on a variety of marine animals, including fish, rays, and even other sharks.
SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD
The scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) is one of the most recognizable hammerhead shark species due to its distinctive scalloped cephalofoil. Unlike the great hammerhead, scalloped hammerheads are known for their social behavior and often form large schools during migrations.
These schools can number in the hundreds to create a spectacular sight for divers and marine enthusiasts. Found in both coastal and open ocean waters, this hammerhead species is currently listed as critically endangered with populations threatened by overfishing and habitat loss.
SMOOTH HAMMERHEAD
The smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena) is unique among these types of sharks because of its truly global distribution, thriving in both temperate and tropical waters worldwide.
Unlike other hammerhead shark types, the smooth hammerhead prefers cooler waters and is often found closer to the surface. This hammerhead shark species has a varied diet that includes fish, squid, and crustaceans.
BONNETHEAD
The bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) is the smallest hammerhead shark species. It typically reaches lengths of just 3 to 4 feet.
This petite shark is found in shallow coastal waters, especially in seagrass beds and sandy areas. What sets the bonnethead apart from different types of hammerhead sharks is its diet, which includes a significant amount of seagrass.
This unique trait makes the bonnethead the only known omnivorous shark. It’s a quality that highlights the incredible diversity among different species of hammerhead sharks.
WINGHEAD SHARK
The winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii) stands out among hammerhead shark species for its extraordinarily wide cephalofoil, which is what gives it a dramatic and distinctive appearance. This unique adaptation is believed to enhance their sensory capabilities and make them effective hunters.
From China to Australia, winghead sharks are typically found in the shallow coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Despite their striking appearance, they remain elusive and are not as commonly encountered as other types of hammerhead sharks.
SCALLOPED BONNETHEAD
The scalloped bonnethead (Sphyrna corona) is a lesser-known hammerhead shark species. It’s distinguished by the scalloped edges of its cephalofoil, which sets it apart from its relatives.
These sharks are relatively small and elusive, often found in subtropical and tropical waters. Their long anal fin and mallet-shaped heads make them a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists and anyone interested in extraordinary sea life..
WHITEFIN HAMMERHEAD
The whitefin hammerhead (Sphyrna couardi) was only discovered in the early 1950s. This hammerhead shark species is notable for its white-tipped fins and unique body structure.
Found in tropical and subtropical waters, the discovery of the whitefin hammerhead has provided new insights into the diversity and evolution of different types of hammerhead sharks. This recent addition to marine biology highlights the continuous need for exploration and study of our oceans.
SCOOPHEAD
The scoophead (Sphyrna media) is one of the smaller and lesser-known species of hammerhead shark. Typically found in the warm, shallow coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, the scoophead prefers sandy and muddy bottoms where it can easily hunt for prey.
Despite being a relatively under-the-radar hammerhead species, the scoophead’s unique habitat preferences and behaviors can’t be overlooked. They add to the overall diversity and ecological importance of these sharks.
SMALLEYE HAMMERHEAD
The smalleye hammerhead (Sphyrna tudes) is a fascinating species of hammerhead shark because of its unique visual adaptations. As its name suggests, this shark has relatively small eyes compared to other hammerheads.
Smalleye hammerheads are typically found in subtropical waters off the east coast of South America. When they’re not resting, these sharks can be found preying on fish and crustaceans.
CAROLINA HAMMERHEAD
The Carolina hammerhead (Sphyrna gilberti) is another recent discovery. Found off the coast of South Carolina, this hammerhead shark species is almost identical to the scalloped hammerhead.
The difference? It can be distinguished by its fewer vertebrae.
How to Prevent the Plight of Hammerhead Shark Species Worldwide
These diverse and ecologically vital hammerhead shark species play crucial roles in marine ecosystems. That includes maintaining the balance of prey populations and also contributing to the health of coral reefs.
Fahlo’s commitment to animals extends beyond sharks. From the smallest creatures to the biggest animals in the ocean, like whales, we are passionately committed to supporting our nonprofit partners that protect all wildlife.
At Fahlo, we’re dedicated to protecting these sharks and other marine wildlife just like them. By creating bracelets and plushes that allow you to track animals like different types of hammerhead sharks, we contribute to research and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving these magnificent creatures.
We started this mission in 2018, and since then, we have been fortunate to donate millions of dollars to save wildlife. By combining a bracelet or plush with an interactive tracking experience, our goal is to foster a greater appreciation and excitement for wildlife and conservation. If you're looking for unique gifts for shark lovers, our tracking products support the conservation efforts that protect these incredible animals.
Types of Hammerhead Sharks FAQs
What is the most aggressive hammerhead shark?
The great hammerhead is considered the most formidable hammerhead shark. Its large size and predatory nature make it a powerful animal, and they have even been known to attack and eat other sharks.
Are hammerhead sharks and great hammerhead sharks different?
Yes, they are different. "Hammerhead shark" is the common name for all members of the family Sphyrnidae, which includes all the types of hammerhead sharks listed here. The great hammerhead is a specific species (Sphyrna mokarran) and is the largest of all the hammerhead shark species.
What kind of shark looks like a hammerhead?
No other shark shares the distinct cephalofoil head shape shared by the different types of hammerhead sharks. However, there is great diversity between the various hammerhead species. For instance, the scalloped bonnethead and the scoophead have heads that are described as being more mallet-shaped than the classic, flat "hammer."
Are hammerhead sharks dangerous?
Most hammerhead sharks are not considered a danger to humans. They generally avoid people and primarily prey on fish, rays, and crustaceans. The larger hammerhead shark species, like the great hammerhead, should be respected due to their size, but unprovoked attacks are extremely rare.