Where are scalloped hammerheads found?

They occur in warm, temperate, and tropical coastal waters globally between approximately 46°N and 36°S, and to depths around 500 m (1,600 ft).

What is distinctive about their appearance?

They have a scalloped, hammer-shaped head (cephalofoil) with eyes and nostrils at the tips of the lateral extensions.

Are scalloped hammerheads large sharks?

They are a fairly large hammerhead species but are smaller than the great and smooth hammerheads.

What other names do they have?

They are also called the bronze, kinky-headed, or southern hammerhead; the species was originally named Zygaena lewini.

What family do they belong to?

They belong to the hammerhead shark family, Sphyrnidae.

How common are scalloped hammerheads among hammerheads?

They are described as the most common of all hammerhead species.

How deep do they occur?

They have been reported down to about 500 m (1,600 ft).

What latitudinal range do they occupy?

They occur between approximately 46°N and 36°S.

Where to See Scalloped Hammerhead While Diving

The scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) is a species of hammerhead shark in the family Sphyrnidae. Its most distinguishing feature is the scalloped, hammer-shaped head (cephalofoil), with the eyes and nostrils positioned at the tips of the lateral extensions. It was originally described as Zygaena lewini. This species inhabits warm, temperate, and tropical coastal waters worldwide between about 46°N and 36°S and can be found down to depths of roughly 500 m (1,600 ft). It is reported as the most common of the hammerhead sharks and is smaller than the great and smooth hammerheads.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Galapagos Islands, Fuvahmulah, Ari Atoll and countries such as Japan, Maldives, Costa Rica for divers building trips around scalloped hammerheads.