Hammerhead shark

The hammerhead sharks are a group of <a href="/facts/Shark/gnS0bGPW">sharks</a> that form the family Sphyrnidae, named for the unusual and distinctive form of their heads, which are flattened and laterally extended into a cephalofoil (a T-shape or "hammer"). The shark's eyes are placed one on each end of this T-shaped structure, with their small mouths directly centered and underneath. Most hammerhead species are placed in the genus <a href="/facts/Sphyrna/SFsVVvJF">Sphyrna</a>, while the <a href="/facts/Winghead_shark/PJ5vdnhe">winghead shark</a> is placed in its own genus, <a href="/facts/Eusphyra/PJ5vdnhe">Eusphyra</a>. Many different—but not necessarily mutually exclusive—functions have been postulated for the cephalofoil, including sensory reception, manoeuvering, and prey manipulation. The cephalofoil gives the shark superior <a href="/facts/Binocular_vision/koERAQCV">binocular vision</a> and <a href="/facts/Depth_perception/R6FK2z6o">depth perception</a>.
Hammerheads are found worldwide, preferring life in warmer waters along coastlines and <a href="/facts/Continental_shelves/dpgHAR4U">continental shelves</a>. Unlike most sharks, some hammerhead species will congregate and swim in large <a href="/facts/Shoaling_and_schooling/vFAw9F75">schools</a> during the day, becoming solitary hunters at night.

Hammerhead shark open-in-new

Hammerhead shark