AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Sphyrna zygaena
Smooth Hammerhead
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large hammerhead shark with a broadly arched, smooth-fronted cephalofoil (head) lacking a central indentation. Dark grey or brownish-grey dorsal side with a white underside.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Chondrichthyes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carcharhiniformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Sphyrnidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Sphyrna
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits temperate and tropical waters worldwide, ranging from the surface to depths of 200 meters in coastal and offshore areas.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly migratory and gregarious; juveniles often inhabit coastal nursery grounds, while adults are found in deeper waters.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Gregarious, often forming large schools; this behavior is particularly prominent during migration.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet consists of a variety of teleost fishes, cephalopods, rays, and smaller shark species.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous with a yolk-sac placenta, giving birth to large litters in coastal nursery areas.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
250.0 - 400.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
60.00 kg - 400.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.20 - 40
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
10 - 15 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
10 - 12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males10 - 15 Years
Females12 - 20 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are typically smaller than females and possess external claspers.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger, reaching greater lengths to accommodate their reproductive output.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The wide head enhances electroreception and sensory perception, allowing it to efficiently scan for prey over large areas of the seabed.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Heavily targeted by the international fin trade and susceptible to incidental capture in longline and gillnet fisheries.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are known for their massive seasonal migrations, where large schools aggregate and move across temperate ocean regions.