Hammerhead sharks belong to the family Sphyrnidae which comprises only 9 species. Among all, the Great Hammerhead shark is the largest member of this group of cartilaginous species. Due to human activities, most species of Hammerhead sharks are threatened or some are listed as endangered. Not only this, there is much more information which is needed to be explored about Hammerhead sharks. Dive with us to know 17 interesting facts about Hammerhead sharks.
17 Surprising Hammerhead Shark Facts
Some of the interesting and surprising facts about the Hammerhead sharks are listed below:
Fact # 1: The first species of Hammerhead shark was spotted about 23 million years ago. They are not as old as the other species of shark; they are the recent evolution of sharks.
Fact # 2: The largest species of the Hammerhead family can reach up to 13 feet in length and weigh about 500 pounds or even more.
Fact # 3: The deep sea predatory animals are the most recognizable species of shark because of their odd-looking head which looks like a hammer.
Fact # 4: The head of the Hammerhead sharks is called cephalofoil which helps them in search for food as well as navigation.
Fact # 5: The hydrodynamic shape of the body allows the shark to swim at a remarkable speed of 32 kph or 20mph.
Fact # 6: The head of these species bears round bulgy eyes that are located on the corners of the head, which give them a vision of 360 degrees.
Fact # 7: Hammerhead sharks have very good vision but surprisingly the species cannot see anything in front of them. They can see everything on the sides, above or below the head.
Fact # 8: The Hammerhead sharks are carnivorous species that often stalk the prey near the ocean floor and hunt the squids, small fishes, stingrays, crabs, or octopuses. Some species are also labeled as omnivorous species which feed on sea grasses.
Fact # 9: The sharks are capable of tanning their body from light brown to completely black.
Fact # 10: The Hammerhead sharks are the shy type of species, they are quite bashful even if you exhale bubbles around them.
Fact # 11: The Hammerhead sharks have 8 pairs of fins which help them to swim sideways at 50 to 75 degrees.
Fact # 12: The sharks are known to be one of the most aggressive species of sharks and can eat their young pups if they suffer scarcity of food.
Fact # 13: Some species of Hammerhead shark such as the Bonnethead shark have undergone parthenogenesis (female sharks fertilize their eggs). In the future, this exceptional capability makes the shark best suited for cloning.
Fact # 14: A single female Hammerhead shark is capable of giving birth to about 6 to 50 young pups in a single breeding season.
Fact # 15: The Hammerhead shark has no natural predators but they sometimes attack giant creatures such as other sharks or dolphins and occasionally whales.
Fact # 16: All over the globe, there are 17 attacks of the Hammerhead shark recorded out of which none are labeled as fatal. Although sharks rarely attack human but most attacks results from provocation.
Fact # 17: These species are listed as endangered but can be listed as extinct species because fishermen caught Hammerhead sharks for fins, meat, or liver oil.
Some FAQs About Hammerhead Sharks
Following are the most common asked questions about the Hammerhead sharks:
Question # 1: How Do The Odd Looking Head Help The Hammerhead Shark?
Answer: Though the head of sharks looked so odd it is very beneficial for them as well. The head helps the shark in search of food, and navigation and allows them to swim with a high burst of speed throughout the extended ocean.
Question # 2: How Many Types Of Hammerhead Sharks Have Been Sighted Yet?
Answer: All over the globe, there are only 9 species of Hammerhead sharks that are spotted mostly near the shoreline in the tropical regions of Africa, Hawaii and Maldives.
Question # 3: Are Hammerhead Sharks Solitary Species?
Answer: No Hammerhead sharks are not solitary animals, they are known to live together in a group named “School” – usually comprises of 10 to 20 sharks.
Question # 4: How Do Hammerhead Sharks Reproduce?
Answer: Hammerhead sharks are viviparous species that give birth to young ones. In a single breeding season, a female shark gives birth to about 6 to 50 pups. The sharks reproduce after every 2 years.
Question # 5: What Is The Life Expectancy Of Hammerhead Sharks?
Answer: The life expectancy of Hammerhead sharks varies among species, the larger one can live for a longer period than the smaller one but according to an estimate the species live for 20 to 30 years.
Conclusion
The Hammerhead sharks are the most prominent species of sharks because of their odd hammer-like head. Although the head looks quite weird, it helps the shark in many ways – it allows the shark to scan the extended ocean to hunt its prey. Moreover, they are named so because of their head shape. Not only this, we have shared some incredible and interesting facts about them which you will find fascinating. Along with this, we have also shared some of the commonly asked questions for your ease.
