Since the females bear young only every two years, the species is particularly vulnerable to over-exploitation and suffers disproportionately from population declines (with slow reproductive rates, it takes longer for the species to make up for the numbers lost due to hunting). Capable of reaching up to 20 feet in length, an adult great hammerhead can be a thousand pounds in weight. Great hammerhead sharks have a very wide head with an eye at either end. Great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) is the largest of all hammerhead species. The gestation period (the period during which young develop inside of a female animal) of the great hammerhead shark is 11 months. The Great Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna mokarran), is the largest species of the Hammerhead shark group. The great hammerhead shark is the largest of the ten known species of hammerhead shark. Facts About The Great Hammerhead Shark. It also has a very large dorsal fin that looks like a sickle. Natur. The hammerhead family ranges from dark brown to grey on their dorsal side and have a grey or white belly, sometimes even olive in colour which performs as a sort of camouflage while hunting. The coloration of the Great Hammerhead can range from gray-brown to green on their dorsal sides, and off-white on their ventral sides, and their teeth are extremely jagged and triangular. The heaviest recorded weighed 580 kg (1,279 lb.). A Great Hammerhead Shark and a Caribbean Reef Shark in the Background Photographic Print by Jim Abernethy. The great hammerhead shark occurs in a wide range of habitats, including: coral reefs (its preferred environment), near islands, in lagoons and in deep water near land. There have been very few recorded attacks on people by the great hammerhead. Credit to Shark Kids; Filmed by Duncan Brake and edited by Michael Lenis. The head moves in a constant sweeping motion so that the shark can see in every direction. On an average basis, the hammerhead shark ranges from 1m to 6m+, with the largest being the Great Hammerhead. The great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) is the largest species of hammerhead shark. Hammerheads are a family of sharks that are known for their oddly shaped heads. Three hammerhead species have a high risk of extinction: the great hammerhead, which is threatened by the shark fin trade and bycatch (unwanted fish captured as a … Great Hammerhead Shark Facts. The great hammerhead shark is a solitary hunter. Humans treasure the fins of these sharks, but they also consume fresh, dried salted, fresh-frozen, and smoked meat that are taken from other parts of the Great Hammerhead Sharks’ bodies. And on average, males reach a length of 3 meters, females of 2,7 meters. There are 9 known species of Hammerhead sharks that range from 0.9 to 6 metres (3 to 20 feet) in length. They live in warm coastal waters in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Although they prefer to eat rays, lobsters, crabs, squid, and boney fish, they are known to practice cannibalism. Colours range from brown to grey, and they have a white, grey or even olive green underside to aid in camouflage. These schools do not remain together overnight however, as hunting is solitary. Despite its great size, as well as the reputation of most sharks, the powerful creature remains relatively harmless. It has a number of functions such as for manipulating prey, maneuvering and sensory reception. 244). It is a solitary and migratory fish. The great hammerhead shark is the largest of the nine species of hammerhead sharks. A few species migrate into offshore waters to feed at night. The underside is white. Hammerheads are at a high risk for extinction … Viviparity means that the eggs hatch inside the female’s body and the babies are fed by a placenta which transfers nourishment from the mother via an umbilical cord connected to the pup between the pectoral fins. Although they are considered one of the most recently evolved groups of sharks, sphyrnids are known to date back in the fossil record … Great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) is the largest of all hammerhead species. The shark earns the unique name due to the presence of special structure on the head. Usually, a female one is larger than a … Unlike most sharks, many species of hammerheads are social, and swim in schools during the day. On this page you’ll find in-depth information on the endangered hammerhead shark, a large and distinctive ocean predator. The great hammerhead is dark brown to light gray to olive above, fading to white on the underside. Great hammerheads are listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List due to their slow reproduction rate, high bycatch mortality and harvest in shark finning operations. Cannibalism is common among this species. Its head width is less than 40% of the total length and the pelvic fins have concave posterior margins. The cephalofoil has a gentle curve in juvenile sharks but becomes straight as the shark ages. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. Whenever there is warm El Nino environment, these sharks usually spread out in schools to cover hundreds of miles. The latest and most accepted theory is that it evolved in such way so that the position of the eyes improves the animal’s vision.In effect, hammerhead sharks have a 360 ° view, that is, they can see above and below them at the same time, which helps them to find food. Mass: Up to 450 kg (1000 lbs) Length: 6.1 m (20ft) More About Hammerhead Sharks. The lifespan of a great hammerhead shark is around 20 to 30 years. The newly-born young are 50 to 70 cm long. For many years the shape of their head has been the cause of theories and studies. 2 The species is distinguished from other hammerheads by its nearly straight hammer-shaped head (cephalofoil) that has a … A hammerhead scans the sand for its favorite meal, the stingray. ActiveWild.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon stores. It is suspected that great hammerheads move closer to the poles in search of cooler water and better availability of potential prey during summer. Hammerhead sharks are carnivores. The largest recorded specimen of these sharks was 6,1 meters long. Out of nine species, two are listed as endangered (great hammerhead and scalloped hammerhead) and one as vulnerable (golden hammerhead) species. The great hammerhead, however, is the largest of the 9 species of hammerhead sharks and is reported to reach up to 6.1 m in length and weigh up to at least 581 kg. That holds true because the amazing animal ranks as the largest of all the known hammerhead species. Distinctive Features The great hammerhead is a very large shark with the characteristic hammer-shaped head from which it derives its common name. A female will produce a litter only once every two years, and bears between 6 and 55 pups per litter. Hammerhead Shark Facts for Kids. The dangerous species of hammerhead sharks include the smooth, great … The great hammerhead shark is the largest hammerhead species. Pinterest; Facebook; Twitter; Email; Related To: Wildlife Shop This Look. That holds true because the amazing animal ranks as the largest of all the known hammerhead species. Because sting rays are completely flat and therefore easily able to camouflage themselves on the ocean floor, Hammerheads need to be able to easily capture them. Scientific name: Sphyrnidae (Sphyrna mokarran – Great Hammerhead) Conservation Status: Endangered. She serves as the executive director of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. A small percentage of the population, mostly or all females, are much larger. It is particularly partial to stingrays, apparently not bothered by the species’ venomous spines; one individual was discovered with 96 spines attached to its mouth. Active Wild Pinterest Active Wild Facebook. Unlike other hammerhead species, it has a straight front margin.On each side of its jaws, there are 17 rows of triangle-shaped serrated teeth. The great hammerhead shark is currently rated ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN, and its population is decreasing. This species often swims near the surface, but has also been found at depths of up to 80 m (262 ft.). This is where the shape of their head comes in. Copyright © 2020 ActiveWild.com. American Badger Facts, Pictures & In-Depth Information. SRI conducts and sponsors rigorous, peer-reviewed field research about sharks and uses science-based information to educate and advocate for shark conservation policies and protections by the world’s g Sadly this is yet another amazing animal under threat of extinction. FUN FACT The scientific genus name of most hammerhead sharks is Sphyrna, which comes from the Greek word for hammer. These sharks are know for their unique shape of their head which is flattened and elongated. Great Hammerhead Shark Facts At A Glance Other Names: Great hammerhead, squat-headed hammerhead shark Scientific name: Sphyrna mokarran Type of Animal: Fish Animal Family: Sphyrnidae Where Found: Tropical waters around the world Average Length: 3.5 m (11 ft.) Average Weight: 230 kg (510 lb.) Fact 1: The length of a Hammerhead shark varies greatly. A hammerhead scans the sand for its favorite meal, the stingray. It has the longest recorded reaching 20 feet long, which tends to be longer than you can imagine. Great Hammerhead: NSW, QLD, NT, WA; Scalloped Hammerhead: NSW, QLD, NT, WA; Smooth Hammerhead: NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA . The IUCN encourages implementation of shark finning bans to protect this species. But they are under threat, and in some cases even critically endangered. These sharks reside in oceans worldwide, particularly in warm waters and near the coast. The other hammerhead species are the Bonnethead, the Great Hammerhead, the Scalloped hammerhead, Carolina hammerhead, Scoophead shark, Smalleye hammerhead, Smooth hammerhead and the Whitefin hammerhead. During this time, hammerheads were responsible for 17 non-fatal, unprovoked attacks and 20 fatal, provoked attacks. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. The great hammerhead sharks are stronger, more aggressive and larger. Native range | All suitable habitat ... of the attacks on people can be definitely attributed to it because of the apparent difficulty of distinguishing large hammerhead species involved in attacks (Ref. The head moves in a constant sweeping motion so that the shark can see in every direction. … They also eat other creatures, such as bony fishes, squid, and lobster. Hammerhead Shark Lifespan: These sharks have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Out of nine species, two are listed as endangered (great hammerhead and scalloped hammerhead) and one as vulnerable (golden hammerhead) species. Learn more about these interesting creatures below. The pups are about 2 feet long at birth. Despite its great size, as well as the reputation of most sharks, the powerful creature remains relatively harmless. The great hammerhead shark is the largest of the nine hammerhead species. Hammerhai. This shark's unusual name comes from the unusual shape of its head, an amazing piece of anatomy built to maximize the fish's ability to find its favorite meal: stingrays. It can grow up to 20 feet in length and weigh up to 1,000 pounds, although smaller sizes are … They can be observed cruising over reefs and boulder-strewn slopes. The hammerhead’s skin is gray-brown, fading to white on the underside, and is covered in small tooth-like bumps called dermal denticles. The first dorsal fin is very tall with a pointed tip and is strongly falcate and recurved in shape while the second dorsal is also high with a strongly concave re… The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. The great hammerhead is the largest, and typically measures about 13 feet long and weighs about 500 pounds. The great hammerhead was originally described as Zygaena mokarran by German naturalist Eduard Rüppell in 1837, however he changed this name to the currently valid Sphyrna mokarran later that same year. This system allows them to detect their prey by electrical fields. On an average basis, the hammerhead shark ranges from 1m to 6m+, with the largest being the Great Hammerhead. The name Sphyrnatranslates from Greek to the English language “hammer”, referring to the hammer-shaped head of this species. Click on the photo below to discover this week’s animal! A full lesson on many different types of sharks including the Great White, Hammerhead, Whale Shark, Goblin Shark, and Megalodon! It can be as short as 3 feet and as long as 20 feet which depends on gender, age, and species. BEHAVIOR: Hammerhead sharks are very aggressive and are very aggressive hunters. It can be as short as 3 feet and as long as 20 feet … The main distinguishing features of all hammerheads are of course their heads, which are flattened and extended sideways, generating a unique head shape.The eyes of the shark are on the tips of the sides of the head, and the mouths, which are typically comparatively small mouth on the underside of the head.The Great Hammerhead can be recognized from the other hammerhead sharks by the shape of its head, which has a straight front li… It occurs in tropical and warm temperate seas worldwide. This is mainly due to human activity. As mentioned above, sting rays are prey for the Hammerhead, and happen to be this shark’s favorite meal. However, the massive predator is evidently weaker than the voracious appetite of humans that values this important creature as a 100 dollar delicacy. They live in warm coastal waters in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Great hammerhead shark facts, pictures and video. In fact, these hammerheads can grow up to a length of 20 feet (5.5 m), and they can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg)! A newborn great hammerhead shark’s head is a round shape, but it will change to the unique “hammer” shape as it becomes an adult. Hammerhead sharks are most common near Wolf Island and Darwin Islands in the north of the archipelago.Galapagos is one of the last remaining places where large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks can be observed. The great hammerhead is the largest of the nine identified species of this shark. They will eat their own young and other hammerhead sharks. The great hammerhead can be distinguished from other hammerheads by the shape of its "hammer", which is wide with an almost straight front margin, and by its tall, sickle-shaped first dorsal fin. Unlike other hammerhead species, it has a straight front margin.On each side of its jaws, there are 17 rows of triangle-shaped serrated teeth. Identification. Great hammerhead sharks have a notch in the center of their head, which is known as a cephalofoil. Hopefully after reading this article you’ll help raise awareness of the plight of the great hammerhead shark by telling other people and spreading the word. But they are under threat, and in some cases even critically endangered. It also has a very large dorsal fin that looks like a sickle. The mouth is located under the head and contains sharp, serrated teeth. Firstly, the magnificent Great Hammerhead Shark truly lives up to the common name. You can find out about more incredible animals by visiting the following related pages: News and facts about animals, natural history and science. Great hammerhead shark. It is a solitary and migratory fish. The hammerhead … The great hammerhead is the largest species of hammerhead shark, belonging to the family Sphyrnidae, attaining an average length of 4.6 m and reaching a maximum length of 6.1 m. It is found in tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide, inhabiting coastal areas and the continental shelf. Orangutan Facts, Pictures, Video & In-Depth Information. Hammerhead sharks, or sphyrnids, are perhaps the most distinctive and unique of all sharks. These sharks are easily recognized by their unique hammer or shovel-shaped heads. The great hammerhead shark is the largest hammerhead species. The great hammerhead’s eggs hatch within their mother’s body and the newborn sharks emerge fully developed. The curiously-shaped head – called a ‘cephalofoil‘ – is the most notable feature of the great hammerhead shark, and one the reasons why it’s such an efficient predator. Fact 2: Not just their head but many other features make them different from other sharks. The great hammerhead shark is the largest of all hammerhead species, reaching a maximum known length of 20 feet (6.1 m) 1 and weight of 991 pounds (450 kg). The Great Hammerhead Shark is found in tropical waters around the world, between the latitudes 40°N to 37°S. Bridging large travelling distances, the great hammerhead swims on one of its sides. 0° is the Equator. The Great Hammerhead has a very tall first dorsal fin. Although the great hammerhead shark is not overtly aggressive towards humans, it is potentially dangerous. Hammerhead sharks are an iconic species inhabiting Australia’s waters. It inhabits tropical and warm temperate waters between latitudes 40°N and 37°S all around the world. Powered By: Wayfair.com. Hammerhead Shark Facts & Tidbits. The longest recorded great hammerhead shark was 6.1 m (20 ft.) in length. Why The Strange Head? Habitat and Distribution. They have 5-gill slits. The great hammerhead shark often hunts in open water, but the position of the mouth under the T-shaped head makes the shark best suited to capturing prey on the seabed. Behavior . Furthermore, the wide snout is lined with sensory organs called ampullae of Lorenzini. In-Depth Information on a Fearsome African Predator. Hammerhead Sharks. Join the thousands of Active Wild subscribers who receive free wildlife and science news & info direct to their inboxes! Facts about Hammerhead Sharks 6: the dangerous species of hammerhead sharks . If threatened, the great hammerhead shark may begin an aggressive display, swimming jerkily with the pectoral fins (the fins on either side of the body) side lowered. Distribution. Great hammerhead pups are sometimes eaten by larger sharks such as the bull shark (Carcarhinus leucas). (‘Latitude’ is how far north or south something is. Great Hammerhead: NSW, QLD, NT, WA; Scalloped Hammerhead: NSW, QLD, NT, WA; Smooth Hammerhead: NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA . This hammer shaped structure is known as a cephalofoil. Their maximum length is about 990 pounds. It seeks out its prey at dawn and dusk either near the surface or on the seabed. 1) Great white sharks can be found throughout the world’s oceans, mostly in cool waters close to the coast. Wassertiere. There are nine species of hammerhead sharks that inhabit all oceans of the world. Fische. Previous to scientific research, it was thought that the cephalofoils were used to enhance poor vision in the shark but studies have shown that not only do the … Great hammerhead sharks have a very tall, curved first dorsal fin and a smaller second dorsal fin. Hammerhead Sharks Hammerhead sharks use their head to hunt by pinning their favorite food, stingrays, to the seafloor.

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