bonnethead

A bonnethead is a species of hammerhead shark scientifically known as Sphyrna tiburo. It is a small to medium-sized shark belonging to the family Sphyrnidae and is recognized for its distinctive, shovel-shaped head, which is characteristic of hammerhead sharks. The bonnethead typically measures between 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet) in length, with females generally larger than males.

Bonnetheads are primarily found in shallow coastal waters, including estuaries, lagoons, and sandy flats across the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina, United States, through the Caribbean, to the northern coast of South America. They favor warm temperate and tropical environments and are known to migrate seasonally in some regions.

This species is carnivorous, feeding mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. One unique aspect of bonnethead diet is their ability to occasionally consume seagrass, making them one of the few shark species known to have a herbivorous component to their diet. This dietary flexibility is thought to contribute to their survival in a range of coastal habitats.

Bonnetheads are generally solitary but can be observed in small groups, especially during mating season or in areas with abundant food sources. The species is ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young after a gestation period of approximately six months. They have a relatively low reproductive rate, which can impact their population stability.

While not currently considered endangered, bonnetheads are affected by habitat destruction, pollution, and fishing pressures. They are often caught as bycatch in fisheries, which underscores the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure their populations remain healthy.