Hammerhead

Hammerhead is a genus of sharks known for their distinctive T-shaped heads, which are a result of the lateral extension of their neurocranium. The most well-known species within this genus is the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), but it also includes other species such as the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena), and scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini).

These sharks are distributed in warm temperate and tropical waters worldwide, inhabiting coastal areas, continental shelves, and open oceans. They play a significant role in marine ecosystems as apex predators, preying on a variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Their unique head shape enhances their ability to detect prey through electroreception and improves maneuverability.

Hammerheads typically range in size from about 1.5 meters (5 feet) to over 6 meters (20 feet), depending on the species. They are known for their social behavior, often forming schools that can include hundreds of individuals, especially during the breeding season.

Reproduction in hammerheads is ovoviviparous, meaning the females give birth to live young after eggs develop inside her body. They have relatively long gestation periods, and their reproductive cycle may include biennial or annual events.

The species face threats from overfishing, bycatch, and habitat destruction, leading to concerns about their conservation status. Several hammerhead species are listed as threatened or endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts focus on establishing marine protected areas and regulating fishing practices to ensure sustainable populations.