When it comes to sharks, the hammerhead species is no doubt one 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.
These remarkable features make hammerhead shark species a captivating subject for scientists and marine enthusiasts alike.
How Many Species of Hammerhead Sharks are There?
In this article, we’ll explore 10 different species 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 and some have been speculated to reach lengths of up to 20 feet. 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 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 species due to its distinctive, scalloped-shaped 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. It lives in a wide-ranging habitat that’s found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide.
Unlike its relatives, 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 member of the 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 other species of hammerhead shark 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 hammerhead species.
SCALLOPED BONNETHEAD
The scalloped bonnethead (Sphyrna corona) is a lesser-known member of the 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 shark enthusiasts alike.
WHITEFIN HAMMERHEAD
In the world of hammerhead shark species, the whitefin hammerhead (Sphyrna couardi) was only discovered in the early 1950s. This shark 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 hammerhead species. 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 types of hammerhead shark species. 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 hammerhead shark species.
SMALLEYE HAMMERHEAD
The smalleye hammerhead (Sphyrna tudes) is a fascinating member of the hammerhead shark species 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 in the world of hammerhead shark species. Discovered off the coast of South Carolina, this hammerhead 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 Species Worldwide
The 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.
At Fahlo, we’re dedicated to protecting these sharks and other marine wildlife just like them. By creating bracelets and plush that allow you to track animals like hammerhead sharks, we contribute to research and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving these magnificent creatures.
Join us to make a tangible impact on marine conservation. Purchase one of our products and help ensure the survival of hammerhead shark species in our oceans.