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Giant Hammerhead

Natural Sciences Collection

Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)

Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)
Australia

Among living vertebrate animals, hammerhead sharks such as the Giant Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) have the oddest heads. It is thought that the hammer shape might give the shark extra lift and manoeuverability, or allow it to see more efficiently. The leading edge of the hammer is occupied mostly by the nostrils, so hammerheads should be able to smell better than other predators. Hammerheads eat mostly fish, particularly stingrays. Unlike most other sharks, some hammerheads may form large schools of up to 100 individuals.

Details

  • Title: Giant Hammerhead
  • Creator: Natural Sciences Collection
  • Medium: Fibreglass cast of specimen

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