Species: Sphyrna mokarran, Great Hammerhead, Great Hammerhead Shark

Sphyrna mokarran (Rüppell, 1837)

Great Hammerhead, Great Hammerhead Shark

A large hammerhead shark with broad, side extensions on the head forming a blade-like hammer (width 23-27% of TL); front margin of head nearly straight in adults, more rounded in juveniles, with shallow central and side indentations; teeth triangular, strongly serrated, lower teeth straight, upper teeth oblique & deeply notched on rear side, rear teeth like front teeth; five gill slits, last one over pectoral; first dorsal fin very tall and curved, with pointed tip; second dorsal fin large, height > length of 3rd gill slit; second dorsal and anal fins with strongly notched rear edges, their bases about equal; pelvics large, with strongly concave rear borders; transverse pit above tail base crescent shaped, a pit below tail base; tail fin strongly asymmetrical, notched under tip of top lobe, large lower lobe.

Grey brown on back and sides, whitish below; no markings on fins.

Reaches 610 cm.

A coastal pelagic and semi-oceanic species.

Depth range: 1-300 m.

World-wide in coastal and offshore warm temperate and tropical seas; North Carolina to Brazil.