Kingdom : Animalia Class : Chonodrichthyes Family : Sphyrnidae Scientific Name : Sphyrna Zygaena Size : 3.5 - 6m (11.5 - 20ft) Weight : 230 - 450kg (500 - 1000lbs) Top Speed : 40km/h (25mph) Life Span : 20 - 25 years Colour : Grey, Brown, White Skin Type : Smooth Special Features : Broad,flat head and large eyes
- Hammerhead Sharks are found all around the world in warm waters of the ocean.
- They get their name from their distinct broad, flat head which appears like a hammer.
- Their hammerhead helps them detect their prey easily by increasing their sensitivity to sonar activity.
- Along with their five senses, their detection of sonar waves almost makes it six senses for them.
- Their head comprises of two projections on the sides of their face making up a rectangular shape.
- Their eyes and nostrils are situated at the ends of the hammer enabling them with better vision and smell.
- There are 9 species of hammerhead sharks in the world varying in length from 3-20m.
- The Great Hammerhead Shark is the largest species of hammerhead shark in the world
- They are also known to be aggressive towards humans.
- Hammerhead sharks inhabit the shallow coastal waters along the continental shelves
- They are solitary nocturnal hunters but gather in schools of around 100 individuals during daytime.
- They are known to migrate in large numbers during summers towards cooler waters.
- They hunt and prey on large fish and small water mammals.