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scalloped hammerhead

Scientific name Sphyrna lewini
Descriptor Griffith & Smith
Year of description 1834
IUCN category (World) CR
Family Carcharhinidae
Genus Sphyrna
Sphyrna lewini Sphyrna lewini
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Introduction

Sphyrna lewini is a semi-oceanic hammerhead shark found at all depths in tropical and temperate zones around the world. Despite its wide geographical distribution, this species is currently threatened.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
    shark
  • Average size
    300 cm
  • Maximum size
    450 cm
  • Longevity
    35 year
  • Shape
    Rectangular
  • Pattern
    vertical stripes
  • Type
    shark
  • Average size
    300 cm
  • Maximum size
    450 cm
  • Longevity
    35 year
  • Shape
    Rectangular
  • Pattern
    vertical stripes

How to recognize the scalloped hammerhead ?

The scalloped hammerhead shark is easily recognizable by its wide curved flat head and black tips on the pectoral fins. The dorsal fin is moderately high, the body is slender, the back is gray, and the belly is white.

Like most sharks, it has 5 pairs of gill slits. The caudal fin is heterocercal, with the lower part being shorter than the upper part. The upper part has a pronounced notch.

Sexual dimorphism

Males, like rays, have a pair of claspers. These are appendages resulting from the modification of the pelvic fins which allow the transmission of sperm to the female's cloaca. Males can only use one at a time.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    living in shoals
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The scalloped hammerhead shark, living alone, in pairs, or in small groups, moves equally in oceanic and coastal areas. Although sedentary populations exist, it is mainly a pelagic species. Juveniles are often observed migrating in large schools in coastal areas.

This predator feeds on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Its wide, flat head allows it to make tighter turns than other sharks, giving it a significant advantage during its hunts.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovovivipare
  • Migratory species
    Yes

This fish is ovoviviparous and reproduces in pairs at a size of about 1.5m for males and 2m for females.

After 9 to 10 months of gestation, this species can give birth to 12 to 41 juveniles. At birth, the young measure around 50cm.

Life-threatening species

  • Venomous
    No
  • Bite
    Yes

Although considered dangerous, it rarely attacks humans. It can be aggressive towards overly persistent divers and fishermen.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : CR

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Depth
    0 - 512 m
  • Environment
    Active pelagic

Biotope presentation

The scalloped hammerhead shark is most often found at depths of less than 275m. However, it has been filmed by a camera baited at 512m.

Species of the same biotope

Fishkeeping

Not recommended

We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

BioObs fishbase EOL UltraMarina

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Adrien Falzon

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 12/11/2023

Scientific partners

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Tags

#Carcharhinidae

#Sphyrna

#shark

#Bay of Bengal

#Gulf of Mexico

#Persian Gulf

#Great Barrier Reef

#mer d'Oman

#Tasman Sea

#Caribbean Sea

#Philippine Sea

#Sea of Japan

#Mediterranean Sea

#Red Sea

#South East Asian Seas

#Indonesian seas

#Atlantic Ocean: North Coast of Brazil

#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Bengala

#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Golfe de guinée

#Temperate Eastern Atlantic Ocean

#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Transition & Cap Vert

#Saint Helena

#Northwest warm temperate Atlantic Ocean

#Southwest warm temperate Atlantic Ocean

#Eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean

#Southwest Tropical Atlantic Ocean

#western Indian Ocean

#Desventuradas Islands

#Galapagos

#Océan Pacifique Nord Est Tempere Chaud

#Océan Pacifique sud-est tempéré chaud

#Tropical Eastern Pacific

#Western Tropical Pacific Ocean

#Oceania

#Canary Islands

#Réunion

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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