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SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD
Sphyrna lewini
SIZE
To about 12 ft (3.7 m).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- Head broadly arched and hammer-shaped, marked by prominent indentation at midline ("scalloped")
- Pelvic fins with straight rear margins
- Color deep olive to brownish-gray above, shading to white below
- No interdorsal ridge
DISTRIBUTION
MA to Brazil, including Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
HABITAT
Coastal and offshore, primarily in water >72�F (22°C); coastal bays and surface waters to at least 900 ft (274 m).
SIMILAR SPECIES
Bonnethead has shovel-shaped head; growns to about 5 ft (1.5 m). Smooth Hammerhead lacks central indentation on anterior margin of head. Great Hammerhead attains larger maximum size (18.5 ft (5.6 m)); has very high first dorsal fin, pelvic fins with curved rear margins.
MORE INFORMATION
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Text descriptions taken from Guide to Sharks, Tunas, & Billfishes of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico |
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(File Modified Sep. 13 2011)
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