Species page
Great Hammerhead
Long-cephalofoil hunter that patrols warm coastal waters.
Sphyrna mokarran
Critically Endangered
Overview
This shark belongs to the hammerhead family, where the head itself is the signature field mark. PocketShark uses that broad sensory platform as the visual anchor, then adds species-specific differences when the source base is stronger. The side-expanded head is the obvious character, but body shape, dorsal-fin proportions, and the outline of the cephalofoil help separate species. Hammerheads occur mainly in tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate seas worldwide. Species ranges span estuaries, reefs, continental shelves, and open ocean.
The family uses both coastal and pelagic habitat, with juveniles often favoring shallow nursery areas and larger animals moving more broadly.
A high-priority conservation species with heavy historical fishing pressure.
Why it matters: The hammer-shaped head spreads sensory organs over a wide area, which may improve navigation and prey detection.
Scientific nameSphyrna mokarran
FamilySphyrnidae
OrderCarcharhiniformes
Max length6.1 m
Depth range0 to 1400 meters
ConservationCritically Endangered
RegionTropical and subtropical coasts
DietFish, squid, rays, crustaceans
HabitatContinental shelves, offshore banks, seamounts
Why it stands outExtremely wide cephalofoil for sensory processing
What this shark is
The side-expanded head is the obvious character, but body shape, dorsal-fin proportions, and the outline of the cephalofoil help separate species.
Where it lives
Hammerheads occur mainly in tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate seas worldwide. Species ranges span estuaries, reefs, continental shelves, and open ocean.
The family uses both coastal and pelagic habitat, with juveniles often favoring shallow nursery areas and larger animals moving more broadly.
How it differs from similar sharks
Extremely wide cephalofoil for sensory processing
Compare it against Bonnethead, Scalloped Hammerhead, and Sphyrna Alleni.
Why it is notable
Some large hammerheads deserve caution, yet direct incidents are uncommon compared with the scale of fishery mortality faced by the family.
Related shark pages
These links are meant to help readers continue through related species, not force extra clicks.
Bonnethead
Small hammerhead with a rounded head and quick turns.
1.7 m maxLeast Concern
Scalloped Hammerhead
Distinct hammer-shaped head packed with sensory power.
4.2 m maxCritically endangered
Sphyrna Alleni
A shark in the carcharhiniformes group.
Sphyrna Couardi
A shark in the carcharhiniformes group.
3.0 m max