Scalloped Hammerhead and Similar Species
Sphyrna lewini
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Scalloped Hammerhead. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Great Hammerhead
Sphyrna mokarran
Key differences: The Great Hammerhead has a straight or slightly arched anterior margin of the cephalofoil, lacking the central indentation seen in the Scalloped Hammerhead. Its first dorsal fin is also taller and originates further forward, over the pectoral fin insertion.
Smooth Hammerhead
Sphyrna zygaena
Key differences: The Smooth Hammerhead has a smoothly arched anterior margin of the cephalofoil without any indentation. Its first dorsal fin is also less falcate and originates further back than in the Scalloped Hammerhead.
Bonnethead Shark
Sphyrna tiburo
Key differences: The Bonnethead is a much smaller species with a shovel-shaped cephalofoil that is broadly rounded, not hammer-shaped with distinct lobes. It is easily distinguished by its size and head morphology.
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