Scalloped
Hammerhead Shark
Description:
Head broad and hammer-shaped with anterior
notches. First dorsal fin begins above or
slightly behind base of pectoral fin. Tips
of pectoral finds dusky to black. Body gray-brown
above, white below.
Size:
Maximum 4.2 m (14 ft).
Habitat,
Behavior and Biology:
 Congregates
in schools near seamounts and coastal islands.
From the surface to at least 50 m (165 ft)
. Schooling believed to be associated with
mating. Solitary individuals and small groups
can be seen over rocky and coral reefs or
sand, being cleaned by king angelfish (Holacanthus
passer) or Barberfish (Johnrandallia nigrirostris).
Feeds primarily on a variety of fishes (sharks,
reef fishes, rays, baitfish), as well as
squid, octopi, shrimp, crabs, and lobsters.
 Viviparous-,
bears 15-31 young per litter. Most females
have circular scars behind head, possibly
a result of "courtship"; scars
on males most likely from aggressive interactions.
Shy and difficult to approach.
Abundance:
Common; Alcyone, Dirty Rocks, Dos Amigos,
Manuelita, and Sharkfin Rock.
Distribution:
Circumtropical and temperate waters,
coastal-pelagic.
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