Great Hammerhead Shark

Sphyrna mokarran

Critically Endangered Saltwater

Max Length

610.0 cm

Max Weight

580.0 kg

Color

Brownish-gray to olive-gray dorsal surface …

Depth Range

1-300m

Family

Sphyrnidae

About

The great hammerhead is the largest of the nine hammerhead shark species. Its distinctive cephalofoil (hammer-shaped head) houses an array of electroreceptors that allow it to detect stingrays buried beneath the sand.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	610.0 cm
Maximum Weight	580.0 kg
Depth Range	1-300m

Coloration

Brownish-gray to olive-gray dorsal surface with a clean countershaded white belly; no distinct patterning; first dorsal fin is tall and strongly falcate; pelvic fin tips dusky.

Habitat & Distribution

Neritic

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

1-300m

Geographic Range

Circumtropical in warm coastal and offshore waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Concentrates around coral reefs, continental shelf edges, and deep-water drop-offs; population critically depleted by bycatch.

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Conservation Status

Critically Endangered IUCN Red List

Great Hammerhead Shark is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Great Hammerhead Shark faces significant threats to its wild populations.

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Critically Endangered — consumption strongly discouraged. Fins are historically traded but the species faces severe population decline; eating this fish is ecologically irresponsible.

Taxonomy

Order	Carcharhiniformes (Ground sharks)
Family	Sphyrnidae (Hammerhead sharks)
Species	Sphyrna mokarran

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Grand requin marteau
Spanish	Cornuda gigante

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Great Hammerhead Shark?

Critically Endangered — consumption strongly discouraged. Fins are historically traded but the species faces severe population decline; eating this fish is ecologically irresponsible.

How big does Great Hammerhead Shark get?

Great Hammerhead Shark can grow up to 610.0 cm long and weigh 580.0 kg.

Where is Great Hammerhead Shark found?

Is Great Hammerhead Shark endangered?

The conservation status of Great Hammerhead Shark is Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Great Hammerhead Shark belong to?

Great Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna mokarran) belongs to the family Sphyrnidae (Hammerhead sharks) in the order Carcharhiniformes (Ground sharks).