Common name: Scalloped Hammerhead

General Information

The Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, scientifically known as Sphyrna lewini, is a fascinating species renowned for its distinctive hammer-shaped head. This unique structure, known as a cephalofoil, is believed to enhance the shark's sensory perception and maneuverability. Found in warm, coastal waters around the world, the Scalloped Hammerhead is a highly migratory species, often seen in large schools, particularly during the day.

This species holds significant importance in marine ecosystems as a top predator, helping to maintain the balance of oceanic food webs. In the aquarium trade, however, they are not commonly kept due to their large size and specific care requirements, which makes them more suitable for large public aquariums rather than home settings.

Care

Keeping a Scalloped Hammerhead Shark in captivity is a daunting task that requires vast resources and expertise. They need a very large tank with ample swimming space to accommodate their active nature and significant size. Conditions must mimic their natural environment closely, with stable temperatures and salinity levels.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, Scalloped Hammerheads are carnivorous, preying on a variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. In captivity, they require a diet that replicates these preferences, often consisting of high-quality marine fish, squid, and shrimp. Feeding should be done with caution to avoid overfeeding and ensure all nutritional needs are met.

Behavior and Compatibility

Scalloped Hammerheads are known for their schooling behavior, which is unusual among sharks. They exhibit a relatively peaceful temperament but require ample space to reduce stress and potential aggression. Due to their size and dietary needs, they are not compatible with smaller fish or invertebrates in captivity.

Reproduction

Scalloped Hammerheads are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Females can give birth to litters ranging from 15 to 31 pups after a gestation period of about 9-10 months. Breeding in captivity is extremely rare due to the challenges of providing adequate space and conditions.

Health and Common Issues

In captivity, maintaining the health of a Scalloped Hammerhead requires diligent monitoring of water quality and diet. They are susceptible to stress-related illnesses, which can be exacerbated by inadequate space or poor water conditions.

Habitat

The Scalloped Hammerhead is found in tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide. They prefer coastal areas, continental shelves, and sometimes venture into open ocean waters. Their habitat can range from the surface to depths of over 500 meters, but they are most commonly found in depths of 25 to 100 meters.

Conservation Status

The Scalloped Hammerhead Shark is listed as "Critically Endangered" on the IUCN Red List due to overfishing and bycatch in commercial fisheries. They are also affected by the demand for shark fins, which has led to significant population declines. Conservation efforts focus on regulating fishing practices and protecting critical habitats to ensure their survival.