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Smooth Hammerhead

The smooth hammerhead, with its iconic T-shaped head, is a master of the seas. This social predator thrives in tropical waters, skillfully hunting fish and cephalopods. Its ability to navigate brackish environments highlights its adaptability and crucial role in marine ecosystems.

20 years
Lifespan
399.161 kg
Weight
Length: 4.8778 m
Size
Brown, Grey, Black, White, Olive
Color
High
Aggression
Vulnerable
Conservation Status
Decreasing
Population Trend
Characteristics
The smooth hammerhead shark, Sphyrna zygaena, boasts a unique T-shaped head aiding in sensory perception and maneuverability. Found in warm-temperate and tropical oceans, this social predator preys on fish and cephalopods. Notably, it's capable of entering brackish waters and exhibits migratory behavior.
Distribution Range of the Smooth Hammerhead
Sphyrna zygaena, commonly known as the smooth hammerhead shark, is native to temperate and tropical waters worldwide. These sharks are found in the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Nova Scotia to Argentina in the western Atlantic, and from the British Isles to South Africa in the eastern Atlantic. They also inhabit the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, from southern California to Chile in the eastern Pacific, and from Japan to Australia in the western Pacific.
Smooth Hammerhead's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The smooth hammerhead shark typically inhabits coastal waters and continental shelves, often found in depths ranging from 20 to 200 meters, although they can dive to depths of up to 500 meters. They prefer temperate and tropical climates and are often seen in bays, estuaries, and the open ocean.
Ecological Niche
Sphyrna zygaena is a predatory species that plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They feed on a variety of prey, including fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Their distinctive head shape allows them to enhance sensory perception and maneuverability, aiding in their role as active predators. Smooth hammerheads may also exhibit migratory behavior, moving to different regions in response to seasonal changes and prey availability.