What Divers Should Know About Hammerhead Shark

Scanning along warm coastlines and continental shelves, a distinctive silhouette might emerge: the hammerhead shark. Easily identified by its flattened, T-shaped cephalofoil, this unique head design provides superior binocular vision and depth perception, critical for spotting prey. These impressive creatures often appear light gray with a greenish tint, their white bellies offering camouflage against the surface when viewed from below. They prefer tropical waters and can be found swimming above the sand along the ocean bottom.

While most sharks are solitary, some hammerhead species famously congregate in large schools during the day, making for truly unforgettable encounters. At night, however, they revert to solitary hunting. Size varies significantly across the family; the formidable Great Hammerhead averages 13.1 feet (4.0 m) and 500 pounds (230 kg), while the smaller bonnethead shark can reach up to 5 feet in length. Their diet is broad, with stingrays being a particular favorite, often pinned down by the shark's powerful head.