The great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) is a seasonal resident of Bimini, Bahamas during the winter months. This is the largest species of hammerhead shark, reaching lengths of up to 20 feet. They are easily identified by their characteristic hammer-shaped heads, or cephalofoils, which may help them search for prey found under the sand (Kajiura, 2001). The population of hammerheads in Bimini have been monitored by the Bimini Shark Lab for several years, and these efforts have revealed strong site fidelity in some individuals.

[Photo and caption by Alexandra McInturf]

Kajiura, S. M. (2001). Head morphology and electrosensory pore distribution of carcharhinid and sphyrnid sharks. Enviornmental Biology of Fishes, 61, 125-133.