The hammerhead shark is one of the impressive and unique creatures of the sea. Freely roaming from open and shallow seas to tropical and temperate waters, hammerheads are known for their aesthetic and functional features. Known for their nine different species and various sizes, these fish are known for their hammer-shaped heads. They continue to fascinate scientists and marine life enthusiasts with their extraordinary mental structure, hunting skills and social behavior. In this article, we take a deep dive into the world of these unique sharks.
Hammerhead Shark Physical Characteristics
The hammerhead shark, known for its 9 different species, is known for its sizes ranging from 90 cm to 6 m. The frontal lobe of their head is hammer-shaped, and the eyes and nostrils are located at either end of the head, giving them a unique hunting advantage. This provides a wide detection area, allowing them to detect their prey more effectively. In addition, the high and robust structure of their dorsal fins increases their hunting ability.
Nutrition
Hammerheads feed on a variety of marine creatures, from sea snakes to squid, from sharks to squid.
Living Area
Spread throughout tropical and temperate waters, these creatures can be found easily in open and shallow seas and even in coastal reefs and shallows. They are generally found at depths of 80-300 meters.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Hammerheads reproduce by internal fertilization, feeding the embryo from the yolk of the egg and then the placenta. Cubs born after an 8-month waiting period are naturally skilled hunters. Pregnant hammerheads move to shallower waters as the time to give birth approaches. Cubs are born with their heads folded and quickly adapt to an independent life. After birth, the young gather in large flocks in shallow bays.
The hammerheads' mating ritual begins when the males begin biting and chasing the females. Mating usually takes place outside the herd, offshore or at the bottom.
Functional "Hammer" Heads. The Mystery of the Hammer Head
The hammer-shaped head provides advantages such as detecting prey and providing a wide field of smell and vision. Different species bear different variations of the hammerhead shape, which distinguishes them from other shark species. Their hammer-shaped head structure increases the ability of these fish to detect prey. Small gel-filled pits called bulbs of Lorenzini are abundant on the leading edge and lower front of hammerheads, helping sharks pinpoint the location of their prey. Additionally, nostrils and eyes located far apart help these fish find prey by smelling and scanning a wide area.
Swarms and Behaviors
These fish are known to form large schools numbering 200 or more. The hierarchy, social dynamics, and behavior within flocks provide interesting insights into the social life of hammerhead sharks. In herds, dominant females are dominant over subordinate females. These communities are observed primarily in isolated seamounts in the western Pacific and off the coast of South Africa. These herds contain mostly females and disperse at night. The reason for the formation of these herds may be to provide protection from predators and a hunting advantage.
Hunting Techniques - Headbutting Shark
Among these fascinating creatures, the great hammerhead shark has developed a unique method of disabling its prey. This impressive predator neutralizes bottom fish such as snags and stingrays by head-butting them, and then immobilizes its prey by impaling it in the sand. This tactic allows the great hammerhead shark to incapacitate its prey by spinning around and tearing off pieces of its wings.
