Sphyrna tiburo
This is the smallest species in the family of hammerhead-like sharks.
Size Up to 5 feet (150 cm)
Diet Crabs, shrimps and small fishes
Lifespan Thought to be 6 to 7 years
Range Subtropical regions in the Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans
Habitat Bonnethead sharks are found near coral reefs, in mangroves and other shallow coastal waters
Predators Larger sharks are known to prey on bonnethead sharks.
Relatives Bonnethead sharks are part of the family Sphyrnidae, which includes
more than 8 species of hammerhead-like sharks. The largest of them is the
great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran).
Family life Bonnethead sharks reproduce every year. The mother is
pregnant for 4.5 to 5 months, which is the shortest known shark gestation
period. Individuals of this species have a small home range, and are very attached
to their birth site.
Conservation status Least Concern Despite pressures from both targeted and
accidental fishing, this species remains abundant and at the last assessment it had
some of the highest population growth rates calculated for sharks. (source: IUCN)
Explore other profiles Check out cownose rays, African penguin and green sea turtles.
Aquarium home movies: Bonnetheads
Visit me at the Aquarium
See bonnethead sharks on your next visit to the Aquarium!
We are making a difference
Many sharks and rays are killed every year by fisheries that are seeking other species. The Aquarium’s research department is looking for ways to reduce the rate of these accidents, called bycatch.
Spread the word about sharks! Many people aren't aware of how important these animals are to the oceans.