Hammerhead shark with a huge hammer that is broad, wing-shaped, and nearly half of the shark"s total length. Nostrils greatly enlarged. Origin of first dorsal fin over midbase of pectoral fins. Upper precaudal pit is longitudinal and not crescentic.
Coloration
Light brown upper body, white ventral surface.
Distribution
Western Indian Ocean: Gulf of Aden, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Burma, Malaysia, Thailand. Western Pacific: Philippines, Indonesia, Australia.
Biology
A little-known species, lives preferably in shallow waters over the continental and insular shelves.
Diet
Probably small fishes and invertebrates (cephalopods, crustaceans).
Size
Maximum total length about 150 cm, average size between 120 cm and 140 cm.
Reproduction
Viviparous, with yolksac-placenta (gives birth to live young). 6 to 11 pups per litter. Gestation period around 8 months.
Similar Species
Unmistakable.
Vulnerability
Category:Endangered (EN) Criteria:A2d+3d Last evaluated:2016 Trend: