Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
Common Names: Scalloped Hammerhead
Scientific Name: Sphyrna lewini
Size: Up to 4.2m
Found: Worldwide in coastal regions of tropical, subtropical and moderate climate zones.
Population Status: Endangered (IUCN 2013)
Teeth:
The teeth are designed for grasping prey that is small
enough to swallow whole. They have overlapping roots and finely serrated blades. Upper teeth are broader than lower teeth.
Scalloped Hammerheads feed on bony fishes, possibly
crustaceans, squid and sometimes stingrays and smaller
sharks.
Reproduction:
Viviparous (give birth to live young). Males reach maturity at around 10 years, and females at around
15-16 years of age. After a gestation period of 12 months females give birth to between 15-30 pups. When young are born, the "hammer" is made of very soft cartilage so as to assist with the birth process.
Interesting Facts:
Scalloped hammerheads can be found in Intertidal areas, Estuaries, Sandy Plains, Rocky Reefs, Coral Reefs and open ocean environments.
Latest research shows that these sharks may make use of the earth's magnetic field during their migrations.
This shark species tends to form huge schools which may be related to feeding and reproduction.
