Why does hammerhead sharks have hammerheads

If we asked you what the most interesting looking shark was in the ocean, you might just say the hammerhead shark. Get it?! While their heads may look a little odd, there is a purpose for why hammerhead sharks have such broad heads, and it all comes down to hunting. Their wide heads are full of sensory organs that help them detect, observe, and capture their prey. Beyond detecting hidden prey, these wide heads also allow for incredible eye-sight. In fact, the placement of their eyes gives them degree vision!

Here are some other fun facts you may not know. Depending on the species of hammerhead, size can vary. Some species, like the winghead shark, may only grow up to six feet long, while the great hammerhead species can weigh over 1, pounds and be over 18 feet in length.

Unlike scalloped hammerhead sharks , great hammerhead sharks are solitary and migrate long distances upward of miles 1, km alone.

Great hammerhead sharks also have a faster growth rate than the other hammerhead species and therefore reach maturity earlier, between 5 and 9 years old.

Great hammerheads mate via internal fertilization and give birth to live young — anywhere from 6 to 42 pups — once every two years. If the pups are not threatened by fisheries or preyed upon by larger shark species, including great hammerheads, they may live up to 44 years, and possibly longer. Like other hammerhead species, great hammerhead sharks have long, serrated teeth and use their hammer-shaped heads to detect and eat prey.

Their heads are equipped with electrical receptors that can sense potential prey, including those hiding in the sand. They do not hunt prey larger than stingrays. Because of their large size, great hammerhead sharks are not preyed upon by other marine animals. The largest of the hammerhead species can grow to be up to 20 feet in length, although more commonly they are relatively small.

They have few predators and are considered harmless to humans. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.

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