great hammerhead, smooth or common hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead

The hammerheads are of a worldwide occurrence, but some species have more restricted ranges than others. The most widely distributed species is probably the smooth, or common, hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena). They inhabit shallow waters along coasts, bays and harbours where the water is calm and the bottom sandy.

The hammerhead is readily recognised by its grotesque hammer-shaped head with the eyes carried at the outer extremities. It is uniformly grey or blue-grey above shading to creamy-white below; the first dorsal fin is remarkably high; the teeth are broad-based, notched, offset triangles, and are comparatively small.

Hooked hammerheads fight hard making long surface and midwater runs and thrashing about causing the great deal of commotion. Fishing methods include slow trolling, drifting or still fishing with chum and baits that are oily or bloody. Mackerel, jack, squid and other baits, as well as artificial lures, may also work on occasion.The meat of the hammerhead is of good quality if fresh and properly prepared. The fins are used in soup in some areas.