AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN CRInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Critically Endangered — faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the near future.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Sphyrna mokarran
Great Hammerhead
Rüppell, 1837
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The largest of the hammerhead sharks, recognized by its extremely wide cephalofoil with a nearly straight frontal margin and a high, sickle-shaped dorsal fin.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
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.Rüppell, 1837
Record Completeness
94%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 continental shelves, coral reefs, and tropical coastal areas around the world.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Solitary and migratory predator.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Primarily solitary, with complex social behaviors in certain areas.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active hunter of rays, bony fish, and other sharks.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Top predator of reef systems.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Placental viviparous; females give birth to live young.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
200.0 - 600.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
100.00 kg - 500.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.6 - 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.
15 - 17 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
300 - 365
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males30 Years
Females30 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.
Females Multi-lang
Females reach a larger body size.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its wide head (cephalofoil) allows for panoramic vision and improves electromagnetic detection capability to find rays buried in the sand.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly vulnerable due to intensive fishing for its fins and its low reproductive rate.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are predators specialized in hunting rays, being immune to much of the venom from the stings of these.