Great Hammerhead Shark

Great Hammerhead Shark

Sphyrna mokarran

Critically Endangered
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DESCRIPTION

The great hammerhead is the largest hammerhead species, recognizable by its wide, flat head and tall, curved dorsal fin. As a migratory apex predator, it uses its unique head for enhanced sensing and pinning down prey.

Max Length 6 m
Max Weight 580 kg
Lifespan 20 - 44 years
Habitat Seabed, coastal zone, deep water, open water, and coral reef
Depth Range 1 - 300 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Crepuscular
Social Behavior Solitary
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot Great Hammerhead Shark

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely

Other destinations to spot Great Hammerhead Shark

Range

Where Great Hammerhead Shark has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Great Hammerhead Shark

Where can you see the Great Hammerhead Shark?

The Great Hammerhead Shark can be seen at 23 dive destinations in 8 countries. The best spots include Apo Reef (Philippines), Bimini (Bahamas), Great Blue Hole (Belize), Isla Mujeres (Mexico), and Protea Banks (South Africa).

What is the best time to see the Great Hammerhead Shark?

Sightings of the Great Hammerhead Shark peak at different times depending on the destination: Bimini from December to March, Protea Banks from March to October, and Tiger Beach from November to March.

Where can you see the Great Hammerhead Shark in Mexico?

In Mexico, you can see the Great Hammerhead Shark at Isla Mujeres, Revillagigedo Islands, and Socorro Islands.

Where can you see the Great Hammerhead Shark in Bahamas?

In Bahamas, you can see the Great Hammerhead Shark at Bimini, Tiger Beach, Andros Barrier Reef, Exuma Cays, Long Island, and Nassau.

Where can you see the Great Hammerhead Shark in Belize?

In Belize, you can see the Great Hammerhead Shark at Great Blue Hole, Glovers Reef, and Turneffe Atoll.

How big does the Great Hammerhead Shark get?

The Great Hammerhead Shark can reach up to 6 m in length and 580 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Great Hammerhead Shark live in?

The Great Hammerhead Shark is found in these habitats: seabed, coastal zone, deep water, open water, and coral reef.

How deep does the Great Hammerhead Shark live?

The Great Hammerhead Shark lives between 1 and 300 m deep.

What does the Great Hammerhead Shark eat?

Feeds on other animals, from fish to crustaceans or molluscs depending on the species.

When is the Great Hammerhead Shark most active?

Most active in the low light of dawn and dusk, which is when it tends to hunt.

Does the Great Hammerhead Shark live in groups?

No. The Great Hammerhead Shark is mostly solitary and is usually seen on its own.

How long does the Great Hammerhead Shark live?

The Great Hammerhead Shark lives 20 to 44 years.

What is the conservation status of the Great Hammerhead Shark?

The Great Hammerhead Shark is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Great Hammerhead Shark. Spotted something that looks off?

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