Bonnethead shark
From ReefPedia
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[edit] Bonnethead sharkScientific Name Sphyrna tiburo Max. Size: About 4.9 feet/1.5 meters, but usually averages about 4 feet/1.22 meters. Tank Size: Small pups need at least a 2,600 gallon pond(12' diameter) for the 1st year or so, But a single adult requires at least a 15,000 gallon pond(25' diameter). Aggression: Yes - While pups are fairly peaceful, Adults tend to be a bit territorial. Hardiness: moderate hardy - does well if given enough swimming room & successfully acclimated. Reef-Safe: Nope - prefers sandy flats devoid of rocky or reef structures. Available as captive-bred: None - known at present time. |
Physical Description
Small Hammerhead species - with as shovel-shaped head, coloration is Grayish-brown on top, back, & flanks from nose to tail. Under belly is whitish in color.
Distribution
Western Atlantic -Virginia to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Eastern Pacific - Southern California to Ecuador.
Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About
- Family: Sphyrnidae - hammerhead sharks
- Genus: Sphyrna
- Species: tiburo
Behavior
Species very active, & semi-territorial(as adults), but also have been found in groups of similar size and size (as juveniles).
Feeding
Primarily feeds on benthic invertebrates - Shrimp, Crab, clams, and squid, as well as small fishes like mullet, herring, and silversides.
Breeding
known to be viviparous - with litters usually ranging from 4-12 pups. The pups are usually about 12-14 iches at birth.
Social Structure
The pups are known to form large groups of similar sized sharks, but the adults tend to be a bit more territorial.
Current Views
Additional Notes
The Smallest Hammerhead species usually found in Public aquariums. And the only species which can potentially be kept in large private aquariums - provided the owner has a tank/pond that is the size of good size swimming pool. Also Bonnetheads becuase of the shape of their heads need a tank/pond that has no sharp corners - a round or oval design is best suited for this species.
Categories: Fish | Sharks

