Hammerhead Shark

(Sphyrna lewini)

The Scalloped Hammerhead Shark is the most abundant of the four species of Hammerheads. This species has a dividing notch, or hammer, on the frontal margin of the head. The back edges of the hammer" are curved toward the back, and the eyes are about on line with the front edges of the mouth. The teeth are either weakly notched or not at all.

The Scalloped Hammerhead is found throughout the world's tropical waters, and ranges into most warm temperate regions. It is common in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts, most often in spring to late fall. Although wandering well offshore sometimes, it prefers to be near shore and even inside estuaries.

This species rarely exceeds 10 feet and weights of about 350 pounds. They are fish eaters, and may even be cannibalistic.