Hammerhead Shark
Hammerhead Shark Introduction
Hammerhead Sharks, named for their oddly shaped heads, live in temperate and tropical oceans throughout the world, and can be found in coastal regions as well as in deep water. Schools of Hammerhead Sharks sometimes migrate north during the summer to cooler waters.
Although rarely dangerous to humans, Hammerhead Sharks are aggressive and cunning predators. They use a special sensory organ, the ampullae of Lorenzini, located in their broad heads, to detect electrical fields in other animals. This organ helps the Hammerhead Shark find stingrays buried in the sand.
Hammerhead Sharks generally avoid humans, although they will attack if provoked. The great hammerhead shark, which can grow to lengths of 20 feet, is the most dangerous.
As you have just learned, there are several species of Hammerhead Sharks, ranging from very small sharks to the great Hammerhead Shark that grows 20 feet in length.
Keywords to learn
Viviparous: An animal that develops eggs within the body but gives birth to live young.
About Me:
Hey Kids, my name is Hayden the Hammerhead shark and I am very happy to meet you. Learn more about me and my species @ www.nationalgeographic.com
Hammerhead Shark Data
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Order:Carcharhiniformes.
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Lifespan:20 to 30 years
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Class:Chondrichthyes.
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Scientific Name:Sphyrnidae.
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Mass:45 kg (950 lbs.)
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Length:6.1 m. (13 to 20 feet)
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Region found mostly:In warm seas throughout the world
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Population Status:Vulnerable.
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Current population trend:Decreasing.
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Diet:Carnivore.
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Sexual maturity:15 years.
These weird headed sharks are fierce, dangerous but also really beautiful creatures to look at in a strange type of way. As said before, they are only dangerous when provoked, so just be careful.
Now that you know more about the Hammerhead Shark by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page.
Download questions about the Hammerhead Shark here: Hammerhead Shark (answers are on this page)
Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on the Hammerhead Shark. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets
Fun Facts for Kids
# 1. There are nine species of Hammerhead Shark.
#2. Hammerhead Sharks eat stingrays, sea catfish, lobster, crabs, other sharks, and occasionally other hammerheads. Hammerheads use their bulky heads to pin down prey.
# 3. These sharks are viviparous. A litter of 13 to 56 shark pups is born live from eggs developed inside the mother.
# 4. Scientists believe the Hammerhead Shark’s head shape may help it swim and navigate turns more quickly, in addition to helping it locate prey.
# 5. In Hawaiian tradition, Hammerhead Sharks are believed to be gods of the sea. Sighting one of them is a sign of good luck.
Q&A Corner
# 1. How many species of hammerhead sharks live on the earth today?
# 2. What is the purpose of a hammerhead shark’s distinctive head shape?
# 3. What do hammerhead sharks eat? What is their favorite meal?
# 4. How long can hammerhead sharks live?
# 5. What culture reveres hammerhead sharks as sacred?
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