Hammerhead shark Facts
A hammerhead shark is a fish in the family Sphyrnidae, named for its flattened, T-shaped head, called a cephalofoil, with an eye at each end.
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- Fish
About the hammerhead shark
That wide head is the whole story. Each eye sits at one tip of the T, and the small mouth is centered underneath. Scientists have suggested several jobs for the cephalofoil, including sensing, steering and pinning down prey, and these ideas can overlap. It does give the shark excellent binocular vision and depth perception, plus extra surface area for electroreceptors that pick up signals in the water.
Most hammerheads belong to the genus Sphyrna, but the winghead shark has a genus of its own, Eusphyra. These sharks live all over the world and prefer warmer water along coastlines and continental shelves. Their daily routine is unusual for sharks: some species gather in big schools during the day, then split up and hunt alone after dark.
Did you know?
- The hammerhead's head shape is formally called a cephalofoil.
- The winghead shark is the only hammerhead placed in the genus Eusphyra.
- A hammerhead's small mouth sits directly under the center of its head.
Questions about the hammerhead shark
Why do hammerhead sharks have hammer-shaped heads?
Possible reasons include sensing, steering and handling prey, and the shape improves depth perception and adds room for electroreceptors.
Where do hammerhead sharks live?
All over the world, usually in warm water near coasts and over continental shelves.
Sources
- Wikidata Q208490, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Hammerhead shark, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.