Great Hammerhead Shark
Sphyrna mokarran
The great hammerhead is the largest species of hammerhead shark and is one of the most distinctive sharks in the world. Its characteristic hammer-shaped head provides it with a wider field of vision and helps it locate prey hidden on the ocean floor more effectively. It inhabits tropical and warm temperate waters, where it primarily hunts rays, fish, and smaller sharks. Thanks to its powerful body and excellent senses, it is a highly effective apex predator that helps maintain the balance of marine ecosystems.
Although its appearance commands respect, attacks on humans are extremely rare. Today, it is one of the most endangered shark species in the world, primarily due to overfishing and high demand for its fins.
Critically endangeredAlthough its appearance commands respect, attacks on humans are extremely rare. Today, it is one of the most endangered shark species in the world, primarily due to overfishing and high demand for its fins.
Max. délka: 4.5 m
Hmotnost: 450 kg
Habitat: The tropical and warm temperate waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans
Potrava: ryby, olihně
Zajímavosti
🔨 Its hammer-shaped head is called a cephalofoil.👀 Its eyes, located at the ends of its head, give it a nearly 360° field of vision.
⚡ Its enlarged head contains a large number of Lorenzini ampullae, which allow it to easily detect prey hidden in the sand.
🪸 It often hunts stingrays, which it presses to the bottom with its head and then kills.
🦈 It isn’t afraid to hunt even smaller species of sharks.
🌍 It is found in tropical waters around the world.
👶 Females give birth to live young, which can number up to several dozen.
🧭 Some individuals undertake long migrations between areas with abundant food.
📉 The population of the great hammerhead shark has declined significantly over the past decade.
🌊 It is one of the most iconic and easily recognizable shark species.
