Small. Moderately broad, mallet-shaped head with medial and lateral indentations on the anterior edge and the transverse posterior margins. First dorsal fin erect and slightly falcate, the free rear tip is over the pelvic fin insertions. Origin of first dorsal fin slightly behind the pectoral fins insertions. Second dorsal fin is less high than the anal fin, and ends well in front of caudal the fin. Precaudal pit present.
Coloration
Grey-brown, with white ventral surface.
Distribution
Western Atlantic: Venezuela to Uruguay.
Biology
A little-known species of the continental shelf found down to depths of approximately 12m.
Diet
Small fishes, swimming crabs, squid and shrimp.
Size
Average size about 120 cm to 130 cm, maximum total length about 150 cm.
Reproduction
Viviparous, with yolksac-placenta. 6 to 9 pups per litter. Size at birth about 30 cm. Males reach sexual maturity between 110 cm and 135 cm, females at about 120 cm.
Similar Species
Other hammerheads have a similar appearance and taxonomic features have to be used to clearly distinguish.
Vulnerability
Category:Critically Endangered (CR) Criteria:A2bd Last evaluated:2020 Trend: