Marine life profile

Hammerhead shark

Recorded at 1 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Hammerhead shark around the world

The hammerhead sharks are a group of sharks that form the family Sphyrnidae, named for the unusual and distinctive form of their heads, which are flattened and laterally extended into a cephalofoil (a T-shape or "hammer"). Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.

Dive sites1

Countries1

Animal groupSharks

Safety profileLarge Predator

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Look for a streamlined shark profile, visible gill slits and the fin shape or markings that distinguish this species.

How It Behaves

Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.

Special Ability

Highly tuned senses help it read vibration, scent and tiny electrical signals hidden in the water.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Stay calm, keep the animal in view and let it choose the distance. Never chase, surround or block its route.

Safety

Maintain calm, controlled behavior and follow the guide's briefing. Never bait, chase, crowd or cut across the animal's route.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

The shark's eyes are placed one on each end of this T-shaped structure, with their small mouths directly centered and underneath.

Where to Find

Look along reef drop-offs, channels, sandy ledges and blue-water edges where currents concentrate food.

Known countries

Maldives