Definition & Meaning of "hammerhead"

What is a "hammerhead"?

A hammerhead is easily recognized by its unique, hammer-shaped head, which gives the species its name. These sharks are known for their highly evolved senses and exceptional swimming capabilities. With their wide-set eyes on each end of their head, hammerheads have an expanded field of vision, allowing them to better detect prey and predators. They are found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, often near coastal areas and coral reefs. Hammerhead sharks are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a variety of prey including fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are known to be skilled hunters, using their unique head shape to improve their ability to detect and track prey. While hammerhead sharks are generally not considered dangerous to humans, caution should still be exercised when encountering them in the wild.