Kaaligandu Miyaru
Classification
Max Size
Carcharhiniformes
Distribution
Circumtropical.
Distinctive Characters
Head hammer-shaped, Broad “hammer” head, with median and lateral indentations. First dorsal origin slightly behind pectoral insertion. Posterior margin of eye roughly level with front of mouth. Margin of pelvic fins nearly straight.
Color
Grey brown above, white below.
Habitat & Biology
Offshore, oceanic, but comes closer to continental edge and occasionally enters enclosed bays. Young form large true schools but adults mainly solitary or in pairs. Feeds on pelagic fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. Viviparious; number of young 15 to 31 per litter.
Remarks
There are possibly three species of hammerheads which occur in the Maldives. However, Sphyrna lewini is the only one that has been definitely recorded and confirmed from there to date. Large schools observed by divers near A. Rasdhoo and a few other sites. Previously recorded under the family Sphymidae. Potentially dangerous to people.