Know About Hammerhead Sharks
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The hammerhead shark is easily identifiable because of its uniquely shaped head. The distinguishing factor is the projection on each side of its head that gives it a resemblance to a flattened hammer, and so the name. Nine known species of hammerheads range from 3 to 20 feet in length. The shark's eyes and nostrils are at the tips of the T-shaped extended head.
Hammerheads are aggressive predators living on fish, rays, cephalopods and crustaceans. They are found in warmer waters along coastlines and continental shelves and can be easily spotted in almost all the tropical and warmer temperate waters of the world. |
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They are also known to form schools during the day, sometimes in groups of over 100. In the evening, like other sharks, they become solitary hunters.
There are many theories as to why the head is shaped the way it is. One of the theories states that the enlarged head allows it to have increased sensory abilities. While this may be true as it is not only capable of astutely detecting would be prey but also magnetic fields underwater as also sensory volcanic activity.
It is supposed that hammerhead sharks use the shape of the head to keep themselves buoyant besides lifting themselves up which possibly requires a smaller turning radius. The hammer-shaped head is very useful to assist the animal trap and hold prey against the ocean floor. They are notably one of the few creatures that get tanned from prolonged exposure to sunlight. |
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