Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sphyrnidae that grows up to 500 cm.
Worldwide in temperate and tropical coastal and oceanic waters, including the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The smooth hammerhead is a large shark of the family Sphyrnidae that can reach about 5 metres. It is characterised by the broad, hammer-shaped head (cephalofoil) with the eyes at the tips; unlike related hammerheads, the front margin is smooth and unbroken, without a central notch. The back is grey-brown, the belly white. The species occurs worldwide in temperate and tropical coastal and ocean waters, including the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and young animals form large schools. It hunts fish, rays, squid and crustaceans; the broad head aids manoeuvring and detecting prey. Due to heavy fishing, especially for the fin trade, the species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth hammerhead?
The Smooth hammerhead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Broad, hammer-shaped head (cephalofoil) with a smooth, unbroken front edge without a notch in the middle; the eyes sit on the tips.
Where does the Smooth hammerhead live?
The Smooth hammerhead lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide in temperate and tropical coastal and oceanic waters, including the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Smooth hammerhead get?
The Smooth hammerhead grows to a maximum of about 500 cm. On average the species is around 335 cm.
Is the Smooth hammerhead dangerous to humans?
The Smooth hammerhead can cause injury; handle it with care. Large individuals can be dangerous if disturbed; keep your distance, leave the water calmly and, in case of a bite, seek medical help immediately and stop the bleeding.
Is the Smooth hammerhead edible?
The Smooth hammerhead is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Smooth 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 Smooth hammerhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth hammerhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.