Giant hammerhead shark (lat. Sphyrna mokarran)

This unusual creature appeared about 40 million years ago. years ago. They live in warm sub- tropical waters ocean, often appears in the coastal zone.

Appearance and lifestyle

Reaches maximum length the body is 7 meters, and the weight reaches a ton. The shark's strong, streamlined and flexible body allows it to swim quickly and quietly. She performs steep turns at high speed.

She has a large dorsal fin, i.e. quite tall. The upper body is gray, the belly is white, the tips of the fins are dark gray. What is most striking is the shape of the head of this unusual fish, which is flattened and strongly elongated on the sides.

No less surprising are the convex yellow eyes, which are located on the sides of the wonderful head. Her eyes are protected by moving eyelids. Here, on the sides, not far from the eyes, there are nostrils. She does not see what is happening ahead, often turns her head and relies on her senses of smell.

But why does the fish have such a strange head? There is still no exact answer to this question; there are only hypotheses and assumptions. Researchers have found that its face has many electrosensory areas, more than other sharks.

They help catch exact location Predator prey, both over long distances and in narrow areas. For example, if a stingray is hidden in the bottom sand, she can easily determine its location. He will have no chance of salvation.

The predator's mouth is located below, under the snout, and its eyes are “well hidden”, therefore, having grabbed a stingray, it is not afraid of blows from the defending victim with its spiked tail. After all, he won’t hurt the predator, he just won’t reach the vulnerable spots.

Her teeth are saw-toothed and sharp, growing in several rows. It will bite, it will bite. Unlike many other species, hammerhead sharks are social and they often gather in schools. Serve to each other various signs movements of the head and body.

Nutrition

The hammerhead shark feeds on fish, stingrays, squid, and other sharks. At night they hunt alone, and during the day they gather in packs. In shallow waters, it can become tanned and its body becomes brownish in color.

It seems like no other animal can get a suntan. It rarely attacks humans. Most likely this happens during the breeding season.

Reproduction

Pregnancy will last about a year. This is a viviparous individual and can give birth to up to 40 sharks. Born cubs are head down, swim quickly, their body length is up to 50 cm. First, the cubs lose weight. They are similar to their parents, only small in size, and the babies' heads are soft and easy to bend.

In shallow water they learn to hunt, acquiring the skills of this difficult task. You also need to be cunning and not get caught by other predators for lunch. The faster they learn to defend themselves, the greater their chances of survival. The growing young generation, having gained strength, leaves the coastal zones.

Lifespan

IN wildlife The hammerhead shark lives about 40 years.

• Class – Cartilaginous fish
• Order – Carharhiniformes
• Family – Hammerhead sharks
• Genus – Hammerfish
• Species – Hammerhead Shark

It's no secret that the most dangerous inhabitants seas and oceans are sharks. There are about 350 species. This time the post will be dedicated to the hammerhead shark. It got its name because of the unusual flat shape of its head, reminiscent of a hammer. Among these sharks, there are 3 main species and the first among them is the giant hammerhead shark.

As the name suggests, these sharks are the largest. Their average length the body is 6 meters, but larger specimens have been encountered. Thus, a hammerhead shark measuring 7 meters 89 centimeters long and weighing 363 kilograms was caught off the coast of New Zealand.

Giant underwater world

The giant hammerhead shark is found in the warm waters of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans. You can encounter it like open ocean, and in coastal strip. The number of these sharks is not very large.

Distinctive feature This shark has a flattened head shape, on the sides of which there are large outgrowths. Its 2 small eyes are located precisely at the edges of these outgrowths. This arrangement of the organs of vision gives the fish a 360-degree view.

On the front of the head there are nostrils and small holes that capture the electrical fields of other fish. Even if the prey is buried in the sand by the shark, it will still feel it. It has been established that a shark can detect electrical discharges of one millionth of a volt.

Along the edge of the head there are nostrils and special holes that capture the electromagnetic field of fish

There is an opinion that such an unusual head shape serves as a kind of rudder for the shark.

Its mouth is strewn with small, but very sharp teeth, therefore it poses a serious danger to humans. When fighting with her, staying alive is a great success.

Hammerhead shark mouth

These sharks eat almost everything that moves - fish, squid, crabs, shellfish, poisonous stingrays. The poison of the latter does not bring any harm to sharks. Apparently they have already developed a kind of immunity to it. It is almost impossible for prey to escape pursuit, because... These sharks swim well and develop quite high speeds when chasing. Their natural enemy is only human.

Hammerhead sharks are viviparous. They bring 30-40 babies at a time. A newborn baby shark reaches a length of 50 centimeters and is already a good swimmer. When they are born, their hammer is turned back towards the body. This makes childbirth easier.

The most frequent cases of attacks by these sharks on swimmers are recorded on shallow beaches Hawaiian Islands, Florida and the Philippines. This is due to the fact that these areas are the main breeding grounds for hammerhead sharks.

The sandy coast of the Hawaiian Islands is a favorite place for vacationers and hammerhead sharks

But people don’t remain in debt either. They catch these fish for their large and tasty fins, from which they make the famous shark soup. As a result, the population giant hammerhead sharks is rapidly decreasing. Sharks often die when caught in fishing nets. Now this fish is endangered.

Shark fin

This animal belongs to the class cartilaginous fish and is part of the order Carchariformes. The family to which the hammerhead fish belongs is called hammerhead sharks.

The main “highlight” in the appearance of this fish, undoubtedly, is its head, or, more precisely, its shape. The front part ends in long and narrow projections diverging horizontally to the sides. This whole “structure” resembles a construction tool – a hammer. Hence the name of the animal.

Scientists know nine species of hammerhead sharks, differing in color, size, head shape and the waters in which they live. This whole family is divided into two genera: Eusphyra and Sphyrna. In the first group there is only one representative - the wing-headed shark. Her “hammer” is equal in size to almost half of her body, and the width of her head differs from other representatives of this family. There are eight more “sisters” in the second group, the largest of which can reach 6 meters. This entire family is related to felids, mustelids and gray sharks.

Many people are attracted by the way the hammerfish looks. The body of the predator is practically no different from the shark we are used to. It has a streamlined shape, and the color varies depending on the genus. Basically, the back is dark (gray, brown), and the belly is light. But it is the head that is of particular interest. Its shape is T-shaped. The structure of the head itself depends on the “breed” of the predator, it can be large or, on the contrary, have a small size. But the main thing is that each individual has a unique shape, which is why it is called a hammerfish. The eyes are located at the ends of the “processes” of the head. These fish are able to see 360 ​​degrees. It is interesting that in these predators the vision depends on the latitude of the “hammer”. The larger it is, the better the area in front of it is visible.

Hammerhead sharks are a fast, cunning and extremely resourceful predator that is not afraid of almost anything and easily attacks humans. On the “danger pedestal,” the hammerhead shark ranks third, behind only the white and tiger sharks. History contains many exciting facts that are associated with hammerhead fish. For example, in one of these sharks caught, the corpse of a man was discovered, which entirely fit into the belly of this merciless killer.

Its usual habitat is warm waters, however, this does not prevent the shark from feeling quite comfortable in cool northern waters. Possessing body length from 4 to 7 meters, the hammerhead fish is “armed” with the amazing abilities of an unsurpassed predator, which are reflected in the structure of its strong and incredibly flexible body.

Evolution, which has been perfecting this shark for more than two tens of millions of years, has endowed it with everything it needs. Ultra-strong, razor-sharp teeth, which are arranged in several rows, and are capable of literally tearing apart any victim in a matter of seconds. The natural camouflage coloring of the body makes it practically invisible in the water column.

Powerful fins and strong muscles allow them to develop tremendous speed. Unparalleled sensory organs are capable of finding prey many kilometers away, perceiving electromagnetic signals, sensing blood and even the fear of their prey. And the shark’s head itself, which is shaped like a hammer, gives the predator phenomenal maneuverability, becoming a movement stabilizer and leaving virtually no chance for the prey to escape.

All this suggests that if a hammerhead fish has chosen a target, then there is little that can save that target. The weight of a hammerhead shark can reach several hundred kilograms, and the largest specimen caught weighed 363 kilograms, with a length of almost 8 meters.

The hammerhead fish is at the top of the food chain, without any direct enemies. This allows her to attack any fish and mammals that live in the area without much risk. sea ​​waters. The cunning, strength and dexterity of this predator are very often the key to victory over an opponent larger than itself.

The hammerhead shark, like its closest relatives - other sharks, does not have an air bubble in the structure of its body. To maintain its buoyancy, it has to constantly move, which means looking for prey and always being “alert.” It is almost impossible to take this shark by surprise. She always imposes her terms of the “game” on the victim and always turns out to be the winner.

The shape of the head is not the only thing that attracts hammerhead fish. The description of how these predators reproduce is also surprising. They are viviparous, while other fish spawn. Mothers carry their young in much the same way as mammals. At birth, the baby’s “hammer” is turned towards the body so that it can be born without difficulty. Gradually, the head of the fish becomes like that of adults.

At one time, a mother can bring from 15 to 30 babies, who are already “taught” to swim well. The length of each reaches approximately half a meter. But after a few months they become one meter tall and show aggression, like all adults.

The hammerhead shark menu is quite intricate. And if the basis of the diet is crabs, shrimp, shellfish, fish and squid, then the real delicacy for predators is flounder and stingrays, which is why many sharks have chosen a habitat related to this type of prey - the muddy bottom of the sea.

Larger inhabitants of the ocean also happened to be on the menu, including stingrays, whose poisonous thorns did not cause any harm to predators. It seems that the shark’s body is capable of developing immunity to the poisons of the living creatures that they are not averse to feeding on.

If a predator has spotted a prey, the latter, given the speed and maneuverability of the shark, has very little chance of salvation. And due to the fact that the bodies of all creatures emit electrical signals, potential prey has no chance of hiding in the ground.

Driven by emitted impulses, the hammerhead shark unerringly finds shelter and removes the resisting prey from the sand.

Since the hammerhead shark is a pelagic fish, it chooses a depth from the surface of the ocean to 400 meters in depth. However, these predators happen to swim into lagoons and coastal areas.

As for geographical preferences, these fish are comfortable with the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.

However, the northern European shores are also familiar with this individual with a sledgehammer instead of a head. But the most favorite place of all hammerhead predators, where they are drawn by an unknown magnetic force, is the Hawaiian Islands. Therefore, it was the Hawaiian Institute of Marine Biology that became the main center for the study of these fish.

Unusual shape head makes the hammerhead shark stand out from all its other brethren. Despite all the fame and cinematic popularity of the white shark, not everyone will accurately identify its species upon meeting it, but the hammerhead shark will not be confused with any other.

How did it happen that fate rewarded this individual with such a remarkable appearance? There are several versions on this matter.

If we adhere to the basic theory, then the characteristic “hammer”, instead of the standard wedge-shaped head, was formed gradually and for a very long time, over many millions of years, with each passing era expanding a little more in breadth and, in after all, acquiring the form that we see today.

Who knows, maybe the process is not completed yet and after a couple of temporary turns the shark’s head will look completely terrifying?

However, recent genetic studies have shattered previous assumptions about the results obtained during numerous examinations. Some scientists are inclined to believe that these sharks acquired their exclusive head shape suddenly - as a result of an unexpected mutation.

Due to its size, powerful jaws, and overall creepy appearance, this predator has no direct enemies in its habitat. It is unlikely that any of the underwater animals will dare to attack such a monster. It is not recommended for people to approach this insidious creature.

She may swim past and not pay attention to the diver, but it is better not to provoke her. Unfortunately, there is little chance of escape from such powerful jaws.

In some Asian countries, these sharks are popular among fishermen; real hunts are organized for them. It is believed that the liver of hammerhead fish is rich in fats that are valuable for the human body. The bones of this fish are used to make so-called bone meal.

Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena) Among all the inhabitants of the sea that attack humans, the most terrible is the shark. Bloodthirsty, cunning and lightning-fast - she instilled fear in people at all times. The most dangerous is white shark, followed by tiger shark. And the honorable third place went to the hammerhead shark.

The hammerhead shark is one of the largest sea ​​creatures. Its average size is 4-5 meters, but you can also find those whose size exceeds 7 meters. The world's largest hammerhead fish was caught off the coast of New Zealand - 7 meters 89 centimeters long and weighing 363 kilograms.

The hammerhead shark is the most common and one of the most ancient fish on our planet (the history of the existence of the hammerhead fish goes back about 25 million years).

It is found in all warm seas, but sometimes comes across near the northern shores of Europe. The hammerhead shark outnumbers many other shark species. After all, the number of hammerhead shark embryos alone reaches 30, sometimes even 40 pieces.

The appearance of the hammerhead shark is truly terrifying. Everyone who has seen it says that it is the most scary fish all seas and oceans. The flat head is divided into 2 lobes, at the end of each there are 2 small eyes. The head is nothing more than a large flat nose, as along the entire leading edge There are grooves to catch the smell - a kind of “nostrils”. In addition, there is a hypothesis that this head serves as a steering wheel.

The body is covered with pockmarked skin. Upper part the body is colored grayish-brown, and the lower part is dirty white. The large eyes, protected by eyelids, are golden yellow. And her teeth are long, sharp, saw-toothed at the edges.

There are 3 main types of hammerhead sharks. The first includes GIANT HAMMERSHARK(Sphyrna mokarran). It is widespread in the tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans, but nowhere reaches high numbers. The hammerhead shark is also found in the coastal zone, as far as its size allows. You can also see it on the open sea. The basking hammerhead shark is considered the largest shark. Its average length is 6 m.

COMMON HAMMERSHARK SHARK(Sphyrna zygaena) is found in the Western Atlantic (from Canada to Brazil and Argentina), in the Eastern Atlantic, in Indian Ocean, in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is smaller than a giant hammerhead shark. The maximum grows up to 4 meters. Otherwise, these species are very similar.

Finally, the third type, SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD, distributed in the Western Atlantic, Eastern Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. This shark grows up to 450 cm and weighs 153 kg.

Hammerhead sharks are ferocious predators and not only because of their considerable size. They excellent swimmers, very maneuverable. In addition, sharks are capable of achieving great speed. The main food of these sharks are invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, shellfish), fish, and squid. A real delicacy for them is stingrays and flounder. Maybe this is why sharks prefer the muddy seabed to any other habitat.

It happened that a hammerhead shark ate larger inhabitants of the seas. The hammerhead shark often devours its more distant relatives - stingrays, without fear of their poisonous spines. Apparently, they have developed immunity against the poison secreted by the thorns. Incredibly, there were also cannibal sharks. The remains of 4 of its relatives were found in the stomach of one.

The hammerhead shark is perfectly adapted to hunting. Some fish, trying to escape fangs, poisons and electric shocks, bury themselves in the sand and freeze there. But they also have no chance, since while they are alive, their bodies generate electric fields, which the hammerhead shark catches with its unusual head: the predator seems to rush straight onto the empty ground and pulls the struggling victim out of it.

The hammerhead shark does not specifically attack people. But they still pose a danger to those in the water. Many attacks that took place in front of numerous spectators are documented. One day, in 1805, three hammerhead sharks were caught in a net on Long Island. A human torso was found in the stomach of the largest of them.

To breed her offspring, she chooses places popular with vacationers. At this time, the shark is especially aggressive, and the number of attacks on people increases sharply. “Don’t go into the water,” this phrase was repeated this summer on many beaches of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii, the coasts of California and Florida.

If you are in the depths and suddenly find a shark nearby, then it is better for you to freeze, wait for help, or slowly swim to safe waters. Yes, the hammerhead shark is a merciless predator, but there is this well-established expression: “The likelihood of being eaten by a shark is 30 times lower than being killed by lightning.” Be as careful as possible. Caution is the main means to help get rid of the attack of any predator.

	Length: up to 7 meters Weight: up to 400 kg Habitat: found in all warm seas.

The hammerhead shark (hammerhead shark, or hammerhead fish (lat. Sphyrnidae)) is one of the most unusual creatures of nature. The eccentric appearance of the hammerhead shark inspires wonder mixed with fear, especially to those who have to encounter it for the first time.

In addition to the unusual shape of its head, this predator is also distinguished by its rather large size: the average length of hammerhead sharks is about 4 meters, and some specimens reach 7-8 meters.

The non-standard appearance and impressive dimensions do not prevent this fish from developing high speed and show rare.

The characteristics of the predator include its ferocity of character: it is believed that it is almost impossible to emerge victorious in a fight with this shark.

There are many mysteries surrounding the hammerhead fish.

Hammerhead shark: a fish surrounded by an aura of mystery

These unusual predators accompanied by the same unusual stories, not all of which can be found logical explanation. So, a mystery for scientists is the peculiarity of these in some specific places, most often in underwater rocks.

Moreover, the “gatherings” reach their greatest numbers by noon, and closer to night the flock of predators disperses, only to gather together again the next day. Another question that has not yet been answered: why in places like this mass gatherings Are females predominant?

It is also surprising that even in complete darkness, the hammerhead shark can navigate perfectly, without losing direction or losing sight of the desired part of the light.

Perhaps the predator’s navigational abilities are due to a special gift from the planet?

And one more interesting fact: researchers have recorded about a dozen different signals that sharks gathered in schools exchange among themselves.

Several of them could be deciphered: these are obvious; Scientists can only guess about the meaning of the rest.

Dangerous hammerhead shark:

However main reason attacks is that, by a strange and tragic coincidence, the hammerhead shark chooses the shallow waters most beloved by vacationers to breed.

During this period, hammerheads are extremely rare, so precedents occur from time to time, especially in the Hawaii area.

However, much more harm is done to hammerhead fish by humans, who exterminate millions of unfortunate predators for the sake of obtaining fins - the main ingredient of the legendary fish.