What kind of shark is the scalloped bonnethead?

The scalloped bonnethead is a member of the hammerhead shark family, but it's unique compared to other hammerheads. Their head is not laterally expanded like other hammerhead sharks; instead, it's rounded, resembling a crown.

Because of this unique head shape, they are called 'scalloped bonnethead' in English. 'Scalloped' refers to the gently curved front edge of their cephalofoil, and 'bonnethead' is a common term for smaller hammerhead sharks. Their body is gray or brown, with a whitish belly. They are also much smaller than other hammerhead sharks, only growing to about 3 feet (1 meter) long as adults.

What is the secret behind the scalloped bonnethead's head shape?

The reason for the scalloped bonnethead's unique head shape is still a mystery.

However, experts have several theories:

・Wide field of vision: Like other hammerhead sharks, their eyes are located on the cephalofoil, which may give them a wider field of vision than other sharks.

・Enhanced sense of smell: The cephalofoil also functions as an olfactory organ, and they may be able to detect the scent of prey from a wider area by swinging their cephalofoil from side to side.

・Electroreceptors: The cephalofoil contains a high concentration of electroreceptors called 'ampullae of Lorenzini,' which can detect the weak electrical fields generated by other organisms. They may use these receptors to find prey hidden in the sand or to sense the presence of predators.

Further research is needed to unravel the secrets of their head shape!

What does the scalloped bonnethead eat?

Scalloped bonnetheads are carnivores and primarily eat small fish and crustaceans. They search for prey along the shallow seabed using their cephalofoil.

They also sometimes eat cephalopods, such as squid and octopus.

[Quiz!] Why is the scalloped bonnethead so rare?

The scalloped bonnethead is a very rare shark, with few sightings compared to other hammerhead sharks.

They are only found in certain regions and are timid, rarely appearing in front of humans. As a result, much about their ecology remains a mystery.

[Quiz!] Is the scalloped bonnethead endangered?

The scalloped bonnethead is listed as 'Data Deficient' on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

This means there isn't enough information about their ecology and population size to determine their conservation status. However, experts are concerned that their numbers may be declining. Further research and conservation efforts are needed to protect them from extinction.

[Quiz!] Where can you see a scalloped bonnethead?

The scalloped bonnethead is very rare, so it is almost never kept in aquariums.

If you want to see one, you need to go to the tropical and subtropical waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly the coastal areas from Mexico to Peru. However, due to their timid nature, they are very difficult to find in the wild.