What Is a Hammerhead Shark?

Close-up illustration of a hammerhead shark

The hammerhead shark is a fish from the family Sphyrnidae. Its scientific name is Sphyrna. Its most famous feature is its wide, flat head, which looks like a hammer or the letter “T”.

Why Does It Have a Hammer Head?

The wide head is not just for looks. It holds nostrils and special organs that detect weak electrical signals. This helps the shark find prey hiding under the sand.

How Does It See?

The hammerhead shark’s eyes are on the sides of its head. This gives it a very wide field of vision, so it can see above, below, and around itself.

What Does It Eat?

Hammerhead sharks eat fish, squid, crabs, octopuses, and other sea animals. Some larger species hunt rays and can find them even beneath the sand.

Hammerhead shark swimming near a coral reef
Important: sharks are not villains. They are predators, but they play a very important role in keeping the ocean ecosystem balanced.