About This File
The bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) is one of the the smallest members of the hammerhead shark family. These small sharks prefer tropical and subtropical coastal regions where there is continental shelf and are exclusive to the western hemisphere. Bonnethead sharks migrate to warmer waters during the winter months.
Bonnethead sharks are easy to distinguish from other hammerheads by the shape of their heads, which is more shovel-shaped than other hammerhead species. Their diet consists of crustaceans such as blue crabs and shrimp, mollusks, and small fishes. Females tend to consume more food, possibly to provide energy for reproduction.
This species of shark usually forms schools of up to fifteen individuals and they use their cerebrospinal fluid for communication between individuals. During birthing season (these sharks are livebearers), females predominate in shallow waters.
*Inspired by the Zoo Tycoon Brains Trust at the Zoo Tek Forums.
References:
-Hessing, S. 2000. "Sphyrna tiburo" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. http://animaldiversi...rna_tiburo.html.
-Bester, C. "Bonnethead" (On-line), Florida Museum of Natural History.
http://www.flmnh.ufl...Bonnethead.html
Created by Ghirin 2004
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