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Great Hammerhead

Sphyrna mokarran

Critically Endangered
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
40 years
Length
5.0 m
Weight
450.0 kg
Trend
↓ Decreasing
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About

The largest hammerhead shark species, great hammerheads reach up to 6 meters and are found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters worldwide. Their distinctive T-shaped head (cephalofoil) dramatically increases sensory surface area for electroreception, enabling them to detect buried stingrays through sand with exceptional precision — stingrays are a preferred prey. Critically Endangered, with populations declining dramatically due to highly valued fins and bycatch mortality.

Fun Facts

  • Their wide head works like a metal detector to find stingrays buried in sand.
  • They are typically solitary.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, and flooded grasslands and savannas, among 5 distinct biome types spanning the Indomalayan and Neotropic and Oceanian realms. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Distributed across Colombia, Taiwan, and Venezuela. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Diet & Behavior

🥩
Carnivore
Great Hammerhead is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore
Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

CR Critically Endangered
Population Trend
Decreasing

Names in Other Languages

Japanese Hira-shumokuzame
Spanish Cachona
French Grand requin marteau
German Großer Hammerhai
Portuguese Cambeva
Russian акула-молот гигантская
Arabic Abu-garn
Turkish dev çekiçbaş
Vietnamese Cá Nhám búa không rãnh
Thai Chalrm Hua-kon-yai

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Great Hammerhead?
The scientific name of Great Hammerhead is Sphyrna mokarran. It belongs to the genus Sphyrna.
What is the conservation status of Great Hammerhead?
Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is decreasing.
Where does Great Hammerhead live?
Great Hammerhead is found in Distributed across Colombia, Taiwan, and Venezuela. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Colombia, Taiwan, Venezuela.
What family does Great Hammerhead belong to?
Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) belongs to the genus Sphyrna, which is part of the taxonomic family Sphyrnidae.
What does Great Hammerhead eat?
Great Hammerhead is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.
How long does Great Hammerhead live?
Great Hammerhead has an average lifespan of approximately 40 years in the wild.
Is Great Hammerhead endangered?
Yes, Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.
What kingdom does Great Hammerhead belong to?
Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Animals).

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