Scalloped Hammerhead

Sphyrna lewini

Occurring in

Arabian Sea
Caribbean
East Africa and India
North Atlantic
Northern Pacific
Oceania
Persian Gulf
Red Sea
South Atlantic
South Indian Ocean
Southeast Pacific
Tropical East Pacific
Pacific west

0-275m

DayAndNightActive

VeryEndangered

The scalloped hammerhead has a curved, hammer-shaped head. It is known for large schools of hundreds of individuals. The broad head enhances the detection of electrical signals from prey.

Habitat

Rocky Reef

Coral reef

Open Sea

Special Features

The scalloped hammerhead has a curved, hammer-shaped head. It is known for large schools of hundreds of individuals. The broad head enhances the detection of electrical signals from prey. This species is heavily fished for its fins.

scalloped hammerhead-divedict_tauchen_haie_sharks_diving_conservation-lexicon-03

Appearance

Slim body, gray top, white belly. The head is strongly elongated and curved on the sides.

Natural Enemies

Larger sharks, orcas

Dangerous/Poisons

Rarely dangerous. Not poisonous.

Pro Tips

During the day, scalloped hammerheads often gather in large groups at sea mounts or islands. At night, they hunt alone. They primarily feed on fish and rays. Young individuals grow up in protected coastal areas.