How to Identify Winghead Shark

To identify Winghead Shark (Eusphyra blochii), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal surface is grey to grey-brown, often with a bronze sheen; ventral surface is white. Fins may have dusky tips.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Extremely broad, hammer-shaped cephalofoil (head) that is much wider than the body, resembling an airfoil or wing., Anterior margin of the cephalofoil is nearly straight or slightly convex., Nostrils are located very close to the midline of the cephalofoil, much closer to each other than to the eyes., Small, serrated, triangular teeth., Relatively small eyes positioned at the ends of the cephalofoil.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is moderately tall and falcate (sickle-shaped), originating over or slightly behind the pectoral fin axil. The second dorsal fin is much smaller, low, and originates over the anal fin.

Tail fin

Heterocercal caudal fin; the upper lobe is significantly longer than the lower lobe, with a distinct subterminal notch.

Pectoral fin

Moderately large and falcate.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are relatively small and triangular. Anal fin is small and similar in size to the second dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Cephalofoil Width

   The most defining feature is its extremely wide cephalofoil, which can be 40-50% of the total body length. This is proportionally wider than any other hammerhead species.

2. 2

   Nostril Placement

   The nostrils are located very close to the center of the cephalofoil, much closer to each other than to the eyes at the tips of the 'wings'.

3. 3

   Anterior Cephalofoil Margin

   The front edge of the cephalofoil is nearly straight or only slightly convex, lacking the prominent indentations seen in some other hammerhead species.

4. 4

   Size

   Generally smaller than most other hammerhead species, typically not exceeding 1.5 meters in length.

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