Tubarãomartelo

Tubarãomartelo is the Portuguese name for hammerhead sharks, a group of sharks characterized by their distinctive flattened, hammer-shaped heads called cephalofoils. This unique head shape offers several advantages, including improved binocular vision, allowing them to better detect prey both above and below them. The wide spread of their eyes also provides a wider field of vision. The cephalofoil also houses sensory organs, such as the nostrils and ampullae of Lorenzini, which detect electrical fields produced by prey.

There are currently nine recognized species of hammerhead sharks, with sizes varying significantly. The smallest, the scalloped bonnethead, typically reaches about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length, while the great hammerhead can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet). They are found in warm temperate and tropical waters worldwide, inhabiting both coastal areas and the open ocean. Their diet consists mainly of fish, squid, and crustaceans, though larger species may also prey on other sharks and stingrays.

Hammerhead sharks play an important role in marine ecosystems as apex predators. However, many species are considered vulnerable or endangered due to overfishing, particularly for their fins, which are a highly prized ingredient in some cuisines, and for recreational fishing. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these fascinating and ecologically significant creatures.