Hammerhead sharks

Sphyrnidae

Hammerhead sharks belong to the family Sphyrnidae and are characterized by their unique, flattened heads that extend laterally into a cephalofoil. This distinctive shape has earned them their name. The eyes of the shark are positioned at either end of this T-shaped structure, while their small mouths are centrally located underneath. The majority of hammerhead species are classified under the genus Sphyrna, except for the winghead shark, which has its own genus called Eusphyra.

The cephalofoil of the hammerhead shark serves various functions, though these are not necessarily exclusive to one another. Some proposed purposes include sensory reception, maneuvering, and manipulating prey. Additionally, this feature provides the shark with exceptional binocular vision and depth perception, affording them a superior visual advantage in their habitat.