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Scalloped Hammerhead in Virginia Waters

Sphyrna lewini

 

A scalloped hammerhead shark.Visitors to coastal Virginia, Migrate south in fall, Most common hammerhead caught on VIMS Longline

Use these resources to learn how to identify a scalloped hammerhead shark, find out what other shark species live in Virginia waters, explore our shark longline data over the years, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

scalloped hammerhead ID GUIDEOTHER VA SHARKSSHARK DATA APP

shark faqs


In the mid-Atlantic region the scalloped hammerhead undergoes seasonal migrations, overwintering in warmer Gulf Stream waters south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. These fish arrive in Virginia coastal waters in June, and later migrate south along the coast from August to October.  

Scalloped hammerhead diet consists of Atlantic menhaden, mullets, flounders, sciaenids (drums), crustaceans, stingrays, and small sharks.

Maximum size

Approximately 14 feet (4.2 meters) total length

Range

Inhabits warm-temperate and tropical coastal waters worldwide. Western Atlantic Ocean from New Jersey to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Diet

Menhaden, mullets, flounders, sciaenids (drums), crustaceans, stingrays, and small sharks.

Depth range

Surf zone to Gulf Stream (0-600 feet)