From a huge number sea ​​creatures The hammerhead shark stands out for its unusual head shape. The awkward head arouses curiosity and the question - where did such growths come from? The amazing “profile” is not consistent with the usual appearance of fast-swimming large fish. At first glance, such a “decoration” is very inconvenient and creates a lot of problems for sharks.

Description

There is little information about the origin of hammerhead sharks. The skeleton of fish consists mainly of cartilage, so specialists mostly only have teeth to study. Externally, if you do not take into account the head, the hammerhead shark looks like an ordinary fish. Large fusiform muscular strong body dark above, with a slightly noticeable greenish tint, light below. The protective coloring helps it blend perfectly with its surroundings.

The flat head has noticeable lateral growths. They have eyes at the edges. The mouth is located at the bottom of the head, the shape of the teeth is triangular. The sizes depend on the species. The smallest are within a meter, the largest can grow up to 6 meters.

The hammerhead shark (the facts confirm this), although extremely rarely, attacks people. Out of nine known species- three pose a real threat. The animal attacks only after provocation from a person. They keep in packs, with average number 10-20 individuals. Group life helps in hunting and defense. Studying the life of predators, biologists have identified 10 signals that they exchange, some of which serve as a warning. The young are vulnerable to killer whales and larger shark species.

They are very agile and can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. Agility and instant reaction help to get food. In nature they can live up to 30 years. The main threat to sharks is people. They are hunted for their fins, often with unjustified cruelty: the fin is cut off and the still living shark is thrown into the sea.

Nutrition

Relatively small size teeth does not allow you to hunt too large prey. The diet of the hammerhead shark (photo in the text) is quite varied:

• crabs, lobsters;
• squid, octopus;
• stingrays;
• dusky gray and gray mustelid sharks;
• crucian carp, catfish, cats, croakers and perches, flounder, toad fish, hedgehog fish.

There are known cases of cannibalism. The basking hammerhead shark can feed on larger prey. Most of all, they prefer stingrays, not at all afraid of their poisoned thorns. During the day, predators gather in large flocks, and at night they go hunting. In the morning they get together again. The hunting tactics are simple: the shark swims near the very bottom, when it detects prey, it either stuns it with its head, or presses it to the bottom and eats it.

Reproduction

Puberty occurs when a certain length and body weight are reached. Females are slightly larger than males. Mating occurs closer to the surface, with the male able to sink his teeth into his partner. The gestation period is 10-11 months. Childbirth in the northern hemisphere occurs in late spring - early summer, on the Australian continent - in December-January. An interesting fact is that in cubs the hammer is directed along the body, which helps to avoid injuries during childbirth. When it gets into “free” water, it immediately becomes in a position familiar to adults. Small coastal bays serve as “maternity hospitals”; they usually have a lot of food.

The hammerhead shark (photo of the school in the text) is viviparous. Litter size ranges from 10 to 40 young. The number of babies directly depends on the size of the mother. Some species can produce offspring annually, but basking hammerhead sharks produce offspring once every two years. The young are born quite large, from 50 cm in length, capable of swimming quickly. For some time, the baby sharks stay close to their mother, receiving protection and the necessary survival experience.

Habitats

Different types of hammerhead sharks are common in warm temperate and tropical waters:

• Pacific Ocean;
• Atlantic Ocean;
• Indian Ocean.

They can be found in the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas, in the Gulf of Mexico. Predators prefer to stay near coral reefs, lagoons, and continental plumes. They feel comfortable not only in shallow water, but also at a depth of up to 80 meters. Some species are subject to seasonal migration. Schools and individuals can be found in the coastal strip and in the open ocean. Hammerhead sharks have been spotted offshore:

• from North Carolina to Uruguay;
• from California to Peru;
• from Morocco to Senegal;
• from Australia to the Ryukyu Islands and French Polynesia;
• Gambia;
• Guinea;
• Mauritania;
• Sierra Leone.

The maximum concentration of predators was recorded near the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaiian Institute of Marine Biology is known throughout the world for its scientific research related to these sharks.

Kinds

These predators belong to the order Carchariformes from the family of hammerhead sharks. The family includes two genera:

1. The genus roundhead hammerhead shark includes only one species - the roundhead (big-headed) hammerhead fish. The average size is 1.2-1.4 meters (maximum 185 cm). The T-shaped growth can reach 50% of the body length. The outgrowths are narrow, they are crowned with rather large eyes. The distance between the elongated large nostrils is twice the width of the sickle-shaped mouth, equipped with medium-sized teeth.

2. The genus of true hammerhead sharks is divided into species:

• Bronze. The average body length is within 2.5 meters (maximum - 346 cm). A rather large streamlined body, on the upper side it has a dark gray, grayish-brown or olive color, smoothly turning into gray-white on the belly. The hammer on the leading edge is “decorated” with numerous notches, the trailing edge is somewhat concave.
• Giant hammerhead shark. Individual individuals grow up to 6 meters, weigh more than half a ton, the average length is up to 3.5 m. The hammer span is within 30% of the body length, the shape is almost a regular quadrangle, especially noticeable in adult sharks. The crescent-shaped curved mouth is equipped with not very large triangular teeth. They have a serrated edge. There are 17 teeth on the upper jaw and 16-17 teeth on the lower jaw.
• West African (white-finned). Rare and little-studied species. It is found along the western coast of the African continent from Congo to Senegal. The average size of females is up to 2.4 meters, males - up to 1.8 m, and there are individuals up to 3 meters long. The hammer swing is within 25% of the body length.
• Roundhead. The smallest representative of the genus, length does not exceed 1 meter. It differs from other types by the oval leading edge and straight trailing edge of the hammer.
• Small-eyed (golden). Small, up to 130 cm (record -148 cm) long, distinguished by a golden tint. Small eyes are located on the end ends of the hammer. Its width does not exceed 30% of the length of the body. The sickle-shaped mouth is equipped with thin front and wider lateral teeth with blunted tops. There are 15-17 of them on each jaw.

• Smallhead (shovel shark). This species has the smallest head, the hammer looks more like a shovel. Average length within 120 cm. Shy, comfortable temperature water not less than +20 °C.
• Ordinary. The average size is 2.5-3.5 meters, large individuals can grow up to 5 meters. The hammer in the front part is convex and quite wide. The narrow sickle-shaped mouth is “armed” with small, triangular teeth jagged at the edges. There are slightly more of them on the upper jaw - up to 32 pieces, on the lower jaw - up to 30.
• Panamo-Caribbean. Small representatives of the genus, average size up to a meter. The front edge of the hammer is arched, convex, the rear edge is straight. The width of the head is up to 23% of the body length; in young animals it can be up to 33%.

All of the above species differ in size, color, head shape, and habitat. There are only three of them to be wary of: bronze, giant and ordinary.

Gigantic

Because of their large fins, the basking hammerhead shark is hunted mercilessly. This species is listed in the International Red Book as endangered. In Asian markets, high-priced predator fins are the basis for the famous “shark fin soup.”

The main differences between giants and their relatives:

• the front edge of the hammer is almost flat without bending, which gives the head a rectangular shape;
• in size it exceeds all types;
• They bear offspring once every two years; the litter ranges from 6 to 55 babies;
• life expectancy can reach 50 years.

Hammer

The hammerhead shark is an excellent hunter. The hammer helps her masterfully find prey. Its outgrowths are covered with skin strewn with extremely sensitive nerve receptors. They are able to detect even the slightest fluctuations in temperature and water. A shark can detect an electrical impulse of one millionth of a volt. Like a real “mine detector,” sharks comb the bottom and unmistakably find stingrays in the sand.

The eyes located at the ends of the “wings” allow you to simultaneously monitor the situation 360° from above and below simultaneously. Only under their very nose they are unable to see anything. Constantly moving your head from side to side eliminates this inconvenience. The main assistants in hunting are electromagnetic (sensory) receptors; they help to detect the electric field of even the smallest prey.

This is interesting

Not long ago, a new (as some scientists believe) species of hammerhead shark was discovered. Interesting Facts about special DNA, a different number of vertebrae (170, not the usual 190), genetics - all indicate that it “diverged” from the bronze shark about 4.5 million years ago. Now the question is about recognizing the new species and clarifying the status of the bronze hammerhead shark.

This unusual creature appeared about 40 million years ago. years ago. They live in warm subtropical ocean waters, often appearing in the coastal zone.

Appearance and lifestyle

Reaches maximum length the body is 7 meters, and the weight reaches a ton. Strong streamlined and flexible body allows her to swim quickly and quietly. She performs sharp turns at high speed.

She has a large dorsal fin, i.e. pretty high. The upper body is gray, the belly is white, the tips of the fins are dark gray. What is most striking is the shape of this unusual head, which is flattened and strongly elongated on the sides.

No less surprising are the bulging yellow eyes that are located on the sides of the wonderful head. Her eyes are protected by moving eyelids. Here, on the sides, not far from the eyes, there are nostrils. She does not see what is happening ahead, often turns her head and relies on her senses of smell.

But why does a fish have such a strange head? There is still no exact answer to this question; there are only hypotheses and assumptions. Researchers have found that its face has many electrosensory areas, more than other sharks.

They help to capture the exact location of prey, both over long distances and in narrow areas. For example, if a stingray is hiding in the bottom sand, she can easily determine its location. He will have no chance of salvation.

The predator's mouth is located below, under the snout, and its eyes are “well hidden”, therefore, having grabbed a stingray, it is not afraid of blows from the defending victim with its spiked tail. After all, he won’t hurt the predator, he just won’t reach the vulnerable spots.

Her teeth are saw-toothed and sharp, growing in several rows. It will bite, it will bite. Unlike many other species, hammerhead sharks are social and they often gather in schools. Serve to each other various signs movements of the head and body.

Nutrition

The hammerhead shark feeds on fish, sharks, and other sharks. At night they hunt alone, and during the day they gather in packs. In shallow waters, it can become tanned and its body becomes brownish in color.

It seems like no other animal can get a suntan. It rarely attacks humans. Most likely this happens during the breeding season.

Reproduction

Pregnancy will last about a year. This is a viviparous individual and can give birth to up to 40 sharks. Born cubs are head down, swim quickly, their body length is up to 50 cm. First, the cubs lose weight. They are similar to their parents, only small in size, and the babies' heads are soft and easy to bend.

In shallow water they learn to hunt, acquiring the skills of this difficult task. You also need to be cunning and not get caught by other predators for lunch. The faster they learn to defend themselves, the greater their chances of survival. The growing young generation, having gained strength, leaves the coastal zones.

Lifespan

IN wildlife The hammerhead shark lives about 40 years.

• Class – Cartilaginous fish
• Order – Carharhiniformes
• Family – Hammerhead sharks
• Genus – Hammerfish
• Species – Hammerhead Shark

The hammerhead shark (hammerhead shark, or hammerhead fish (lat. Sphyrnidae)) is one of the most unusual creatures of nature. The eccentric appearance of the hammerhead shark inspires wonder mixed with fear, especially to those who have to encounter it for the first time.

In addition to the unusual shape of its head, this predator is also distinguished by its rather large size: the average length of hammerhead sharks is about 4 meters, and some specimens reach 7-8 meters.

The non-standard appearance and impressive dimensions do not prevent this fish from developing high speed and exhibiting rare behavior.

The characteristics of the predator include its ferocity of character: it is believed that it is almost impossible to emerge victorious in a fight with this shark.

There are many mysteries surrounding the hammerhead fish.

Hammerhead shark: a fish surrounded by an aura of mystery

These unusual predators are accompanied by the same unusual stories, not all of which can be found to have a logical explanation. So, a mystery for scientists is the peculiarity of these in some specific places, most often in underwater rocks.

Moreover, the “gatherings” reach their greatest numbers by noon, and closer to night the flock of predators disperses, only to gather together again the next day. Another question that has not yet been answered: why do females predominate in places of such mass gatherings?

It is also surprising that even in complete darkness, the hammerhead shark is perfectly oriented, without losing direction and without losing sight of the desired part of the light.

Perhaps the predator’s navigational abilities are due to a special gift from the planet?

And one more interesting fact: researchers have recorded about a dozen different signals that sharks gathered in schools exchange among themselves.

Several of them could be deciphered: these are obvious; Scientists can only guess about the meaning of the rest.

Dangerous hammerhead shark:

However main reason attacks is that, strangely and tragic coincidence, to breed offspring, the hammerhead shark chooses the most favorite places for vacationers in shallow water.

During this period, hammerheads are extremely rare, so precedents occur from time to time, especially in the Hawaii area.

However, much more harm inflicted on hammerhead fish by a man who exterminates millions of unfortunate predators for the sake of obtaining fins - the main ingredient of the legendary,.

Hammerhead shark family / Sphyrnidae

The hammerhead shark family includes 2 genera with seven species. Hammerhead sharks are closely related gray sharks, but differ from them, as well as from all other fish, in their unique head shape. It is strongly flattened from top to bottom and has two large outgrowths on the sides, on the outer edges of which there are eyes, and slightly away from them there are large nostrils. If you look at the head of such a shark from above, it really strongly resembles a hammer or sledgehammer. This shape of the front part of the body apparently makes it easier for the shark to maneuver in a vertical plane, and the widely spaced nasal openings give the hammerhead shark the ability to more accurately orient itself in relation to the source of a particular smell. All of them have a predominantly tropical distribution. Hammerhead sharks are fast and strong swimmers, found equally in the coastal strip and in open waters. They often even enter brackish waters. The food of hammerhead sharks consists of a variety of bottom invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, clams), fish (herring, mackerel), and squid. In the stomachs of large individuals, stingrays are most often found (more than 50 tail spines of stingrays were found in the stomach walls of one specimen) and sharks, including their fellow species. There is a known case when a caught giant hammerhead shark, about 4 m long, was only partially pulled out of the water when an even larger representative of the same species attacked the suspended shark and bit off its entire tail part of the body down to the pelvic fins. Hammerhead sharks reproduce by ovoviviparity or viviparity. In one litter the female bears different types from 6-9 to 30-40 babies, and newborn sharks, similar in all proportions to adults, have a length of 45-50 cm. Large hammerhead sharks pose a significant danger to people in the water. Human body parts were found in their stomachs, and many attacks that took place in front of numerous spectators are documented. One such attack took place on a crowded beach off the coast of Florida, just 60 meters from the shore. The girl who was attacked was seriously injured, but was pulled out of the water by the lifeguard on duty. At the same time, the hammerhead shark accompanied its escaped prey all the way to the shore. Commercial significance Hammerhead sharks are scarce, but in some areas they are harvested for their meat, skin, and liver oil. Hammerhead sharks, which offer stubborn resistance when caught, are also considered very honorable trophies for marine fishermen.

Hammerhead shark /Sphyrna zygaena

Hammerhead shark / Sphyrna mokarran

Giant hammerhead shark major representative family - reaches 4.5 and even 6 m in length. It is widespread in the tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans, but does not reach high numbers anywhere. OtherHammerhead sharks are smaller - up to 3.5-4.2 m and weigh about 450 kg.

It's no secret that the most dangerous inhabitants seas and oceans are sharks. There are about 350 species. This time the post will be dedicated to the hammerhead shark. It got its name because of the unusual flat shape of its head, reminiscent of a hammer. Among these sharks, there are 3 main species and the first among them is the giant hammerhead shark.

As the name suggests, these sharks are the largest. Their average body length is 6 meters, but larger specimens have been encountered. Thus, a hammerhead shark measuring 7 meters 89 centimeters long and weighing 363 kilograms was caught off the coast of New Zealand.

Giant underwater world

Great hammerhead shark found in warm waters Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It can be encountered both in the open ocean and in the coastal strip. The number of these sharks is not very large.

Distinctive feature This shark has a flattened head shape, on the sides of which there are large outgrowths. Its 2 small eyes are located precisely at the edges of these outgrowths. This arrangement of the organs of vision gives the fish a 360-degree view.

On the front of the head there are nostrils and small holes that capture the electrical fields of other fish. Even if the prey is buried in the sand by the shark, it will still feel it. It has been established that a shark can detect electrical discharges of one millionth of a volt.

Along the edge of the head there are nostrils and special holes that capture the electromagnetic field of fish

There is an opinion that so unusual shape The head serves as a kind of rudder for the shark.

Its mouth is lined with small but very sharp teeth, so it poses a serious danger to humans. To stay alive in a fight with her - great luck.

Hammerhead shark mouth

These sharks eat almost everything that moves - fish, squid, crabs, shellfish, poisonous stingrays. The poison of the latter does not bring any harm to sharks. Apparently they have already developed a kind of immunity to it. It is almost impossible for prey to escape pursuit, because... These sharks swim well and develop quite high speeds when chasing. Their natural enemy is only human.

Hammerhead sharks are viviparous. They bring 30-40 babies at a time. A newborn baby shark reaches a length of 50 centimeters and is already a good swimmer. When they are born, their hammer is turned back towards the body. This makes childbirth easier.

The most frequent cases of attacks by these sharks on swimmers have been recorded on the shallow beaches of the Hawaiian Islands, Florida and the Philippines. This is due to the fact that these areas are the main breeding grounds for hammerhead sharks.

The sandy coast of the Hawaiian Islands is a favorite place for vacationers and hammerhead sharks

But people don’t remain in debt either. They catch these fish for their large and tasty fins, from which they make the famous shark soup. As a result, the population giant hammerhead sharks is rapidly decreasing. Sharks often die after getting caught in fishing nets. Now this fish is endangered.

Shark fin