Species FishGreat Hammerhead

Great Hammerhead

Sphyrna mokarran

RareFish
Illustration of Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran)
Safety note: A large predatory shark. Observe from a distance and do not provoke it.

The largest of the hammerheads, with a wide head it sweeps over the seafloor to detect hidden prey. Its favorite food is stingrays, which it pins with its broad head, seemingly immune to their venomous barbs.

Habitat
Warm coastal and offshore waters, over reefs and continental shelves.
Diet
Stingrays, fish, smaller sharks, and crustaceans.
How common
Rare

Best time to see a Great Hammerhead

The best time to see a Great Hammerhead is May–August, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 78 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Great Hammerhead sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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