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Hammerhead Sharks. Sphyrnidae species.
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page are copyright protected: © 2010 Kelvin Aitken.
All rights reserved. Students may use this information for
personal research only. Not for commercial use.
There are four species of hammerhead shark found in Australian
waters, ranging is size from 190-600 cm. The Smooth Hammerhead
(Sphyrna zygaena),which at times forms large schools, is found
only in southern waters, mostly in shallow bays and reefs
down to depths of 20 m. Its head has a smooth, bow-like leading
edge with no central indentation.
The similar Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini) is
found in tropical to warm temperate waters from the surface
down to 300 m. The leading edge of the wing-like head has
a central indentation and is flanked by two more scalloped
indentations. The rather shy Scalloped Hammerhead is most
famous for forming large schools during the daytime. It feeds
on fish and squid at night in deep water.
The Winghead Shark (Eusphyra blochii) is the smallest hammerhead
growing to only 1 m long. It is easily distinguished by the
long rectangular wings on the head projecting well out from
the body. It is found in the far north in shallow and often
silty water.
Unlike the other hammerhead species, which are considered
harmless, the Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) has the
potential to be dangerous. It has an indentation in the centre
of the head and a very tall, curved dorsal fin. It does not
school like other species but single animals are found around
offshore tropical reefs.
The amazing hammer-shaped head of the hammerhead sharks provides
for a large sweep of its scent, sight and electro-sensory
equipment. The winged shape of the head also allows the shark
to manoeuvre very quickly as it twists and turns after speedy
prey.
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