How to Identify Bonnethead Shark

To identify Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   Head Shape

   Look for the distinctive, relatively narrow, and rounded shovel-shaped head (cephalofoil), which is less extreme than in other hammerhead species.

2. 2

   Size

   Its small size (typically under 1 meter) distinguishes it from larger hammerhead species.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Grey to grey-brown dorsal surface with a lighter underside.

4. 4

   Habitat

   Often found in very shallow, inshore waters, including estuaries and seagrass beds.

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