Hammer Head Shark (Sphyrna zygaena)

Hammerheads are notably one of the few animals that acquire a tan from prolonged exposure to sunlight, a feature shared by pigs and humans. Tanning occurs when a hammerhead is in shallow waters or close to the surface for long periods.

Distribution

Coastal regions of tropical, subtropical and moderate climate zones.

Size

The nine known species of hammerhead range from 0.9 to 6 m long (3 to 20 feet)

Conservation

Species' range from endangered to vulnerable

Facts

In late 2007 scientists discovered that hammerhead sharks can reproduce asexually through a rare method known as parthenogenesis (a direct development without the need of a sperm, similar to how social insects can reproduce).

Danger stats

Of the nine known species of hammerhead, three can be dangerous to humans