Scoophead
Scoophead
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Scoophead
In the tropical seas, a rare hammerhead shark swims with a unique shovel-shaped head. This is the scoophead shark. What kind of shark are they? Let's explore the world of the scoophead shark and uncover the mysteries surrounding them.
Scoophead Basic Infomation
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Order | Carcharhiniformes |
| Vernacular Names | Scoophead |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Habitats | Tropical coastal waters of the Eastern Pacific, Western Atlantic, and Indian Oceans |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Taxonomic Status | ACCEPTED |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Genus | Sphyrna |
| Conservation Status | Endangered (EN) |
| Rank | SPECIES |
| Family | Sphyrnidae |
| Scientific Name | Sphyrna media |
Size
They grow to a maximum length of about 5 feet (1.5 meters). They are a relatively small species among hammerhead sharks. Females tend to be larger than males.
Lifespan
Their lifespan in the wild is not well known.
Distribution
They are found in the tropical coastal waters of the Eastern Pacific, Western Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They prefer relatively shallow waters, less than 328 feet (100 meters) deep, and are often found in muddy and sandy areas.
Scoophead Q&A
What kind of shark is the scoophead?
The scoophead is a species of hammerhead shark, named for the unique shape of its head.
Their head is wide, with an indentation in the center, giving it a shovel-like appearance. This shape distinguishes them from other hammerhead sharks. They have a grayish body with a whitish belly. Their eyes are larger and greener than those of other hammerhead sharks. They are nocturnal, resting on the seabed during the day and becoming active at night to hunt for food. They are often solitary but may sometimes form small groups. They are a very rare shark, and much about their ecology remains a mystery.
What are the secrets of the scoophead's head shape?
The wide, laterally expanded head, called a 'cephalofoil,' of the scoophead is thought to have several functions.
・Wide field of vision: The eyes, located on the cephalofoil, give them a wider field of view than other sharks, which helps them to locate prey and avoid predators.
・Enhanced sense of smell: The cephalofoil also acts as an olfactory organ. By swinging their cephalofoil from side to side, they can detect the scent of prey from a wider area.
・Electroreceptors: The cephalofoil contains a high concentration of electroreceptors called 'ampullae of Lorenzini.' These organs can detect the weak electrical fields generated by other organisms, allowing them to find prey hidden in the sand and detect the presence of predators.
・Lift: The cephalofoil acts like an airplane wing, generating lift, which allows them to move through the water with less energy.
・Maneuverability: The cephalofoil also acts as a rudder, enabling them to make quick turns in the water.
It's truly a multifunctional shovel!
[Quiz!] Are scoopheads endangered?
The scoophead is listed as 'Endangered' (EN) on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.
Their numbers are declining due to overfishing and habitat destruction. To protect scoopheads, we need to learn more about them. Protecting the tropical coastal waters of the Eastern Pacific, Western Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, their habitat, is also crucial.
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Scoophead Type of List
Characteristics of the Scoophead
- A species of hammerhead shark
- Wide head with an indentation in the center
- Grayish body color
- Whitish belly
- Large, green eyes
- Maximum length of about 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Found in the tropical coastal waters of the Eastern Pacific, Western Atlantic, and Indian Oceans
- Nocturnal
- Often solitary, but may sometimes form small groups
- Endangered (EN)
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Scoophead References
Scoophead Introduction of media used
D Ross Robertson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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