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Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

Scalloped hammerheads use their unmistakable, broadly arched and hammer-shaped heads to detect even the most elusive prey. They are surprisingly social for sharks, known for forming large, mesmerizing schools.

 

Scalloped hammerheads get their name from the prominent indentation at midline and  distinct notches along the front edge of their wide, flattened heads—called a cephalofoil. Scientists have several theories around the benefits of this uniquely shaped head, including improved vision, enhanced electrosensory abilities to detect hidden prey, and increased maneuverability when hunting. They may also use their head to handle prey such as  stingrays by pinning them down, making them easier to consume. In addition to stingrays, scalloped hammerheads feed on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, lobsters, crabs, and smaller sharks and rays. 

These sharks are found in warm-temperate and tropical waters worldwide, typically along coastlines and near deep water. They are known to migrate seasonally in schools, often separated by sex. Within these groups, they display a range of social behaviors, including aggression, submission, and displays of dominance. 

 

 

Scalloped hammerhead sharks are critically endangered, primarily due to overfishing and the shark fin trade. They are frequently caught both intentionally and as bycatch in commercial fisheries. Their tendency to aggregate in large groups make it especially easy for large numbers to be caught at a time, making scalloped hammerhead populations particularly vulnerable to decline.

 

 

Saving sharks requires global protections and dedicated enforcement of them. In recent years, Oceana has helped to ban the deadly shark fin trade in the United States and Canada. We are also campaigning for stronger protections for sharks and better investments in the science needed for their sustainable management. You can add your name to stand up for sharks here.

 

 

 

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