When many people see a picture of a Hammerhead shark the first thing that comes to their minds are that the head of this shark is a powerful weapon used to kill. They could not be more wrong.The head of all nine known species of Hammerhead sharks are special in that it provides lift to keep the shark buyant and improves its swimming. It also extends the sharks sensory system as its eyes are placed very wide apart and can see more than a shark with a normal shaped head. These sharks are also extra sensitive with regards to their head due to their extension of their lateral line system(found along most fishes bodies)and their ampullae of Lorenzini. Even though these sharks do not use their head as a weapon they are still very fierce predators that feed on bony fishes, sharks, crustaceans, and sting rays. They us their ampullae of Lorezini to find their food and thus are alos a very efficient predator.
Some facts:
1)Of the 9 species of hammerheads 3 can be dangerous to humans (Scalloped, Great, and Smooth hammerheads)
2)Found in warm waters along coast lines and the continental shelf
3)2-6 meters in length.
4)They form schools during the day and go solo in the night
5)have very small mouths (bottom feeders)
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammerhead_shark
http://www.sdnhm.org/kids/sharks/shore-to-sea/hammerhead.html
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