Mallethead shark
The smallest and most mysterious of the hammerheads
The Mallethead shark (Sphyrna corona) is a rare species of Hammerhead shark, and part of the family Sphyrnidae. It is found in tropical and subtropical waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Mexico to Peru, and possibly as far north as the Gulf of California. It can be found in inshore habitats over soft bottoms (mud, sand, and gravel) to a depth of 328 feet. It also enters mangroves and estuaries. It is the smallest of the Hammerhead species.
Family: Sphyrnidae
Genus: Sphyrna
Species: corona
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Sphyrnidae
Common Name– Hammerhead Sharks (aka Crown Shark and Scalloped Bonnethead)
Genus- Sphyrna
Species- corona
Status: IUCN Red List Near Threatened
Average Size and Length: The average adult size and length is relatively unknown, but the very few documented accounts reach a maximum of 92 centimeters, or about 3 feet in length, so it is thought that the Mallethead is one of the smallest Hammerhead sharks.
Average Weight: It is unknown and undocumented.
Teeth and Jaw: The Mallethead shark has a small, arched mouth. Little is known about the number of teeth in their jaws, but they appear small and smooth-edged with angled triangular cusps.
Head: Small and broad mallet-shaped head. It has medial and lateral indentations on the anterior edge and transverse posterior margins. The snout is long in comparison to the size of the shark. It is about 2/5 of the width of the whole head.
Tail: Posterior margin of the anal fin is almost straight, and it has a transverse, crescentric upper pre-caudal pit.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: Mallethead sharks can be found off the East Pacific from Mexico to Peru. They are mostly found on the continental shelf and inshore. Not much else is known about the Mallethead sharks.
Diet: The diet of a Mallethead shark is unknown, but it can be assumed that it combs the sea floor.
Ram-Suction Index: It is suggested a combination of both.
Aesthetic Identification: The Mallethead shark is grey on top and white on the bottom. This coloring extends to the back of the head.
Biology and Reproduction: Very little is known about the biology and reproduction of a Mallethead shark. It is believed that they give birth to 2 or 3 pups. It has been recorded that the young are born around 23 centimeters or not quite a foot. Gestation is completely unknown.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: The behavioral traits of Mallethead sharks are a mystery. Perhaps we can raise money for research surrounding this species.
The shape of the Mallethead’s cephalopodic is unique from other species, and therefore we should strive to discover more about this shark.
Speed: The speed of the Mallethead shark is unknown.
Mallethead Shark Future and Conservation: There are no known conservation efforts surrounding the Mallethead shark. Given that it gives birth to a low number of young, and that the Mallethead shark is inshore and coastal, it is thought to be threatened by fishing.
Mallethead Shark Recorded Attacks on Humans: None known.