Hobbies And Interests
Skin
The color of a hammerhead shark's skin can be gray, brown or olive green, depending on species. While the top side of the shark is colored, the belly underneath is white. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun can cause the hammerhead shark's skin to tan. The skin on this animal's head is covered with pores called ampullae of Lorenzi. The hammerhead shark uses these sensory receptors to detect the electrical fields produced by other animals. This is known as electrolocation.
Sensing Prey
Acute senses and physical adaptations make hammerhead sharks extremely skillful hunters, preying on animals such as fish and crustaceans. As well as using electrolocation to detect prey, sight and smell also play an important role. Wide-spaced nostrils and large nasal tracts help the hammerhead shark locate prey accurately by following scent trails. Eyes that are positioned on the outermost parts of this shark's head provide a wide field of vision. This is also very useful when hunting for prey.
Head Shape
Hammerhead sharks gained their name from the unusual shape of their flat, broad heads, which resemble the top of a hammer. This shark's head, also known as a cephalophoil, extends outwards to the left and right, with eyes located on the furthermost parts of these extensions. The hammerhead shark's mouth is positioned underneath its head and is relatively small compared to other types of sharks. The strong muscles in the hammerhead shark's head allow the animal to control its movements. The head also provide this shark with a hydrodynamic shape, increasing the speed at which it can attack its prey.
Fins
Hammerhead sharks have one set of pectoral fins which extend horizontally from the side of the body, towards the front of the shark. These fins are used for lift as the shark moves underwater. One large dorsal fin in the middle of the shark's back and one smaller dorsal fin just in front of the tail are used to maintain stability underwater. The pelvic fin on the underside of the shark is also used for stability. The hammerhead shark has an asymmetrical tail fin. This tail fin is made up of a large upper section, called a lobe, and smaller lower section.
Teeth
The hammerhead shark is aggressive when it comes to hunting its prey. It uses its sharp, triangular teeth with pointed tips and serrated edges to kill and consume other animals. While some species of hammerhead shark have sharp pointed teeth throughout, other species have molar-like teeth towards the back of their jaws. Hammerhead sharks also use these teeth in a mating ritual: the male shark bites the female until she allows him to mate with her.