Fin's Fish Guide
The Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sphyrnidae that grows up to 610 cm.
Description
The great hammerhead is the largest hammerhead shark (Sphyrnidae) and occurs circumtropically. The species is recognised by its broad, almost straight hammer-shaped head with the eyes at the tips and the tall, sickle-shaped first dorsal fin. It is a coastal to semi-oceanic shark of the continental shelf and open water. As an apex predator it hunts rays, other sharks, fishes and squid; it uses its head to pin stingrays against the bottom. It is critically endangered and is regarded as potentially dangerous to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Great hammerhead?
The Great hammerhead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Largest hammerhead shark, with a broad straight hammer head; pins stingrays against the bottom with its head.
Where does the Great hammerhead live?
The Great hammerhead lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Circumtropical; continental shelf and open water.
How big does the Great hammerhead get?
The Great hammerhead grows to a maximum of about 610 cm. On average the species is around 370 cm.
Is the Great hammerhead dangerous to humans?
The Great hammerhead can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A large predatory shark regarded as potentially dangerous. Keep your distance in the water and do not provoke it; for a bite, control the bleeding and seek urgent medical care.
Is the Great hammerhead edible?
Yes, the Great hammerhead is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Great hammerhead and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sphyrna
More from the family Sphyrnidae
Want the complete picture on the Great hammerhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Great hammerhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.