Smooth Hammerhead Shark

Smooth Hammerhead Shark

Sphyrna zygaena

Vulnerable
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DESCRIPTION

The smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena) is the second-largest hammerhead shark, distinguishable by its broadly arched, smooth-edged cephalofoil without a central indentation. This highly migratory, semi-pelagic species is found worldwide in temperate and tropical seas, preferring coastal and continental shelf waters but capable of deep dives. It is an active predator, feeding on a diverse diet of bony fishes, cephalopods, and other elasmobranchs.

Max Length 5 m
Max Weight 400 kg
Lifespan Up to 25 years
Habitat Seabed, coastal zone, deep water, and open water
Depth Range 0 - 3100 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Variable
Social Behavior Schooling

Destinations to spot Smooth Hammerhead Shark

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Smooth Hammerhead Shark has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Smooth Hammerhead Shark

Where can you see the Smooth Hammerhead Shark?

The Smooth Hammerhead Shark can be seen at 12 dive destinations in Ecuador, Bahamas, Mexico, South Africa, and Maldives. The best spots include Andros Barrier Reef (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas), Exuma Cays (Bahamas), False Bay (South Africa), and Fuvahmulah (Maldives).

Where can you see the Smooth Hammerhead Shark in Ecuador?

In Ecuador, you can see the Smooth Hammerhead Shark at Galapagos Islands, Gordon Rocks, Kicker Rock, and Punta Vicente Roca.

Where can you see the Smooth Hammerhead Shark in Bahamas?

In Bahamas, you can see the Smooth Hammerhead Shark at Andros Barrier Reef, Bimini, and Exuma Cays.

Where can you see the Smooth Hammerhead Shark in Mexico?

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

How big does the Smooth Hammerhead Shark get?

The Smooth Hammerhead Shark can reach up to 5 m in length and 400 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Smooth Hammerhead Shark live in?

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

How deep does the Smooth Hammerhead Shark live?

The Smooth Hammerhead Shark lives from the surface down to 3100 m.

What does the Smooth Hammerhead Shark eat?

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

When is the Smooth Hammerhead Shark most active?

Its rhythm shifts with the season, the tide or the region, so the same species may be active by day in one place and by night in another.

How long does the Smooth Hammerhead Shark live?

The Smooth Hammerhead Shark lives up to 25 years.

What is the conservation status of the Smooth Hammerhead Shark?

The Smooth Hammerhead Shark is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

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

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