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The Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo) is a small, coastal hammerhead shark characterized by its distinctive shovel-shaped head, which is less broadly expanded than other hammerhead species. It is the smallest member of the hammerhead family (Sphyrnidae) and is known for its unique diet, including a significant proportion of seagrass, making it an omnivorous shark. They are generally shy and non-aggressive towards humans.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- torpedo
- Coloration
- Dorsal surface is typically grey to grey-brown, fading to a lighter grey or white on the ventral side. This countershading provides camouflage in their coastal habitats.
- Scale type
- placoid
- Mouth position
- inferior
- Distinctive features
- Distinctive shovel-shaped head (cephalofoil), which is narrower and more rounded than other hammerhead species., Small size compared to other hammerheads., Five gill slits on each side., Small, sharp, multi-cusped teeth in the front of the mouth for grasping, and flat, molar-like teeth in the back for crushing prey.
- Dorsal fin
- Two dorsal fins; the first is moderately tall and falcate (sickle-shaped), originating over the pectoral fin axil. The second dorsal fin is much smaller.
- Tail fin
- Heterocercal caudal fin, with the upper lobe significantly longer than the lower lobe.
- Pectoral fin
- Moderately sized, broad, and somewhat triangular.
- Distinctive fins
- Anal fin present, similar in size to the second dorsal fin.
Identification Tips
Head Shape
Look for the distinctive, relatively narrow, and rounded shovel-shaped head (cephalofoil), which is less extreme than in other hammerhead species.
Size
Its small size (typically under 1 meter) distinguishes it from larger hammerhead species.
Coloration
Grey to grey-brown dorsal surface with a lighter underside.
Habitat
Often found in very shallow, inshore waters, including estuaries and seagrass beds.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters, from the surf zone to depths of about 80 meters (260 feet), though usually less than 10 meters (33 feet).
- Environment
- Estuaries, bays, shallow coastal areas, seagrass beds, and muddy or sandy bottoms. They prefer warm temperate and tropical waters.
- Geographic range
- Western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina (USA) to southern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Eastern Pacific Ocean from southern California (USA) to Ecuador.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for home aquariums due to size and specialized needs; requires public aquarium facilities.
- Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Generally compatible with other large, non-aggressive marine species in very large public aquariums. Not suitable for mixed-species home aquariums.
- Special requirements: Requires extremely large, specialized public aquarium systems with ample swimming space, excellent filtration, and a diverse diet. Not recommended for private aquarists due to size, specialized care, and ethical considerations.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Present year-round in warmer waters, but exhibits seasonal migrations to cooler waters during summer months and warmer waters during winter months in temperate regions.
- Market price: Varies, often caught as bycatch or for local consumption.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, slightly sweet
- Texture: Firm, meaty
- Cooking methods: Grilled, Fried, Baked, Smoked
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein, low in fat. Mercury content can be a concern in larger individuals, though Bonnetheads are relatively small.
Key Facts
Omnivorous Sharkinteresting
The Bonnethead Shark is the only known omnivorous shark species, with seagrass making up a significant portion (up to 62%) of its diet. It can digest seagrass efficiently, absorbing nutrients from it.
Smallest Hammerheadrecord
It is the smallest species within the hammerhead family (Sphyrnidae), rarely exceeding 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length.
Sexual Dimorphism in Head Shapebehavior
Female Bonnetheads have a broader, more rounded cephalofoil than males, which is thought to be an adaptation for better olfaction (smell) to locate prey.
Social Behaviorbehavior
Bonnetheads are often observed in large schools, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, particularly during seasonal migrations.
Parthenogenesisamazing
A captive female Bonnethead shark was documented to have reproduced asexually via parthenogenesis, a rare phenomenon in vertebrates.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: Bonnethead sharks are generally timid and pose little to no threat to humans. Bites are extremely rare and usually occur only if the shark is provoked or handled. As with any wild animal, observe from a distance and avoid direct contact. If caught by anglers, handle with care to avoid injury to both the shark and handler, and release quickly.
Similar Species
Scalloped Hammerhead
Sphyrna lewini
The Scalloped Hammerhead has a broader, more deeply indented (scalloped) cephalofoil with a distinct median indentation. It also grows significantly larger than the Bonnethead.
Smooth Hammerhead
Sphyrna zygaena
The Smooth Hammerhead has a broad, smooth, and un-indented cephalofoil. It also reaches a much larger size than the Bonnethead.
Great Hammerhead
Sphyrna mokarran
The Great Hammerhead has a very broad, nearly straight-edged cephalofoil with a prominent median indentation. It is the largest hammerhead species and significantly larger than the Bonnethead.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Sphyrnidae
- Genus
- Sphyrna
- Species
- tiburo
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