Great Hammerhead
Sphyrna mokarranAlso known as Giant Hammerhead
Great hammerheads navigate tropical and warm temperate coastal waters worldwide, utilizing their wide, T-shaped heads to pin down thrashing stingrays against the seafloor. Their exceptionally tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fins slice through the surface, making them instantly recognizable even from a distance. These solitary apex predators undertake massive seasonal migrations, moving toward cooler waters during the summer months.
- diet
- Carnivorous, feeding on stingrays, bony fish, cephalopods, and smaller sharks
- family
- Sphyrnidae
- threats
- Commercial overfishing, shark finning, and accidental bycatch in gillnets and longlines
- life Span
- 30 to 44 years
CR
An apex predator capable of defensive bites; maintain a respectful distance when diving.
As massive apex predators, they possess formidable jaws and sharp teeth capable of inflicting severe defensive wounds if cornered or provoked.
Never attempt to touch, feed, or corner a hammerhead; swim slowly and predictably to allow the shark to pass.Listed as Critically Endangered due to severe population declines driven by commercial overfishing and the global shark fin trade.
Report sightings to marine research databases and strictly avoid any fishing practices that target or accidentally catch them.- Diving Etiquette: Maintain a calm, horizontal posture in the water and avoid blocking the shark's path.
- Avoid Flash Photography: Use ambient light to prevent startling these sensitive predators in clear water.
- Support Conservation: Choose sustainable seafood and support marine protected areas to help recover their populations.