Animal Guide

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

3 destinations · 3 states

Native Range: Tropical and warm temperate oceans worldwide

Scalloped hammerhead sharks are instantly recognizable by the wide, curved head that gives them their name. At an aquarium, watching one swim past the glass reveals how different that shape is from a typical shark. The eyes sit far apart on the outer edges of the head, while the scalloped front edge creates a series of gentle notches rather than a smooth curve. Their bodies are streamlined and built for steady swimming, so look for the tail sweeping rhythmically as the shark cruises through the habitat. Scalloped hammerheads often travel in groups, especially when younger, and seeing several move together can make the broad shape of their heads even more noticeable. They feed on fish, squid, and other marine animals, using their wide heads and sensory systems to help locate prey. In the wild, they are found in warm and temperate seas around the world, often near continental shelves, islands, and reefs. A close aquarium view makes it much easier to appreciate the unusual head shape that is difficult to grasp from a distance.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

Where to see Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

3 destinations across 3 states

3 destinations

Maui Ocean Center

Wailuku, HI

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, CA

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Lake Buena Vista, FL

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