Appearance
- Head is flattened and extends to hammer-like lobes on each side
- Indentation on front of head at its midpoint
- Teeth have smooth edges
- Back is gray-brown to olive, fading to a white belly
- Underside of pectoral fins tipped with black
- Pelvic fin rear edge nearly straight
Similar Species: Smooth hammerhead, S. zygaena (no indentation on front of head at midpoint); great hammerhead, S. mokarran (sides of head not pointed)
Size: Up to 12 feet
Habitat
Coastal to offshore waters
Behavior
Predatory fish that feeds mainly on fish, squid, and stingrays. Males mature at about 6 feet in length.
Additional Information
State Record: This species is not currently eligible for a state record.
Prohibited from harvest in state waters.
Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles