What is a group of sharks called?

Hammerhead Sharks: A Unique Group of Predators

Hammerhead sharks are a distinctive group of sharks belonging to the family Sphyrnidae. What truly sets them apart is their uniquely shaped head, known as a "cephalofoil," which resembles a hammer or T-shape. This unusual morphology isn't just for show; it provides several advantages, playing a role in enhanced sensory perception, maneuverability, and prey capture.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

• Cephalofoil: The defining characteristic. The cephalofoil's wide-set eyes give them a broader visual field than most sharks. Additionally, the cephalofoil is covered in sensory pores called ampullae of Lorenzini which help them detect the electrical fields generated by prey buried in the sand. Learn more about the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Cephalofoil">cephalofoil</a>.

• Species Diversity: There are nine known species of hammerhead sharks, varying in size and habitat. Examples include the Great Hammerhead (the largest), Scalloped Hammerhead, and Bonnethead. Learn more about <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Hammerhead%20Shark%20Species">Hammerhead Shark Species</a>.

• Habitat: Hammerheads are typically found in warm temperate and tropical waters worldwide. They inhabit coastal regions, continental shelves, and sometimes venture into deeper oceanic zones. They are known to form large aggregations, especially during mating season. More on <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Hammerhead%20Shark%20Habitat">Hammerhead Shark Habitat</a>.

• Diet: Hammerheads are carnivores with a varied diet. They primarily feed on bony fishes, rays, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Some species, like the Bonnethead, are known to consume seagrass, making them one of the few shark species known to incorporate significant amounts of plant matter into their diet. Explore their <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Hammerhead%20Shark%20Diet">Hammerhead Shark Diet</a>.

• Conservation Status: Many hammerhead species are facing threats due to overfishing, particularly for their fins (used in shark fin soup), and bycatch in commercial fisheries. Several species, including the Scalloped Hammerhead, are classified as endangered or vulnerable by the IUCN. Understanding the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Hammerhead%20Shark%20Conservation">Hammerhead Shark Conservation</a> status is crucial.

• Social Behavior: Some hammerhead species, especially the Scalloped Hammerhead, are known to form large schools, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. These schools are thought to provide protection from predators and facilitate mating. Observe the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Hammerhead%20Shark%20Social%20Behavior">Hammerhead Shark Social Behavior</a>.