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Species we encounter – Sphyrnids

by Amica Limosani, Jake New, and Barbara Wueringer

Sphyrnid sharks, or hammerheads, include 10 species, all characterized by their iconic flattened and elongated cephalofoil, or “hammer” head. Their cephalofoil makes them highly effective predators by providing better maneuverability, a larger surface area for increased electroreceptors, nostrils that are further spaced apart for detecting prey, and possibly allowing them to pin down prey before biting. Hammerheads inhabit tropical and temperate marine waters and are famous for forming large migratory schools. Observing these migrations is a rare and remarkable experience!
Scalloped Hammerhead, Sphyrna lewini

Get ready to meet the Scalloped Hammerhead. These sharks are easily recognisable by their distinctively scalloped-shaped head, with eyes positioned at the outer edges. They’re not shy about their love for warm coastal waters and oceanic islands worldwide, often forming large schools near underwater seamounts and reefs. But here’s where things get interesting: these hammerheads aren’t just solitary swimmers. They’re known for their unique social behaviour, with schools comprised of hundreds to thousands of individuals. As apex predators, they rule the underwater realm, feeding on various prey, including fish, squid, and crustaceans, which gives them a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems’ health.

Great Hammerhead, Sphyrna mokarran

Say hello to the fascinating Great Hammerhead, Sphyrna mokarran! These ocean titans are the largest species of hammerhead shark, instantly recognisable by their “hammer” shaped heads, or cephalofoils. Roaming warm coastal waters worldwide, great hammerheads are master hunters. They use their wide heads to pin down and manipulate prey like stingrays and smaller sharks. They have eyes set wide apart and excellent vision for scoping out the seafloor. In Queensland, they are often seen in shallows as they hunt rays and can sometimes be mistaken for sawfish. However, their dorsal fins can help distinguish between the two. If you are ever in doubt, submit your sighting to www.cytags.com, and we will clarify it for you!

Winghead Shark, Eusphyrna blochii

Have you ever seen a shark with wings? Meet the Winghead Shark, Eusphyrna blochii. Known for their unique “wing-shaped” heads, which can be up to 1/3 of the shark’s length in width, these sharks have a flattened and laterally expanded cephalofoil as part of the hammerhead family. They inhabit shallow coastal waters and estuaries throughout the Indo-Pacific region, winghead sharks are a sight to behold. They are the smallest of the hammerhead family. Their specialised head shape helps them detect and capture small fish and crustaceans more efficiently

Learn more about the Carcharhinid sharks we encounter here

Learn more about the Mylobatiform rays we encounter here

Learn more about the Rhinopristiform rays we encounter here