Bonnethead Shark

Photo Credit: (c) Doug Perrine View Larger Image

BONNETHEAD SHARK
Sphyrna tiburo

Habitat
Abundant in nearshore Florida waters. Commonly seen over shallow sand and mud flats. Moves into deeper coastal waters during the colder months.

Feeding
Feeds primarily on crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and small fishes.

Reproduction
Gives birth to live young. Litters contain 4-16 pups. Size at birth about 12 inches.

Size/Age
Smallest member of the hammerhead family. Maximum length about 3.5 feet. Matures at approximately 2 years of age (about 30 inches) and is estimated to live 7+ years.

Human factors
Edible, but marketed mostly as crab bait. Good sport fish; use light tackle with live shrimp or cut-bait. Harmless to humans. Often displayed in aquaria.