Scalloped Hammerhead

Family Sphyrnidae, HAMMERHEAD SHARKS
Sphyrna tiburo

Description: fifth gill slit shorter than 4 preceeding ones and located posterior to pectoral fin base; flattened head extending to hammer-like lobes on each side; distinct indentation of the front margin of the head at its midpoint; second dorsal fin longer than tail; gray-brown to olive in color with white underbelly; teeth smooth-edged; pectoral fins tipped with black on the undersurface; tips of first and second dorsal lobes and caudal also may have dusky tips; pelvic fin with nearly straight hind margin.

Similar Fish: other hammerhead sharks.

Where found: both OFFSHORE and INSHORE.

Size: common to 6 feet and can reach 14 feet.

*Florida Record: n/a

Remarks: predatory fish, feeding mainly on fish, squid, and stingrays; male matures at about 6 feet in length.

*The Florida records quoted are from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.