Scalloped Hammerhead

Sphyrna lewini

 

A scalloped hammerhead shark.

In the mid-Atlantic region the scalloped hammerhead undergoes seasonal migrations, overwintering in warmer Gulf Stream waters south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. These fish arrive in Virginia coastal waters in June, and later migrate south along the coast from August to October.

Maximum size

Approximately 10.1 feet (3.1 meters) total length for females and 9.7 feet (3.0 m) for males.

Range

Inhabits warm-temperate and tropical coastal waters worldwide. Western Atlantic Ocean from New Jersey to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Diet

Menhaden, mullets, flounders, sciaenids (drums), crustaceans, stingrays, and small sharks.

Depth range

Surf zone to Gulf Stream (0-600 feet)