Shallow water tidal flat use and associated specialized foraging behavior of the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran). Issue 4 (3rd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roemer, Robert P.; Gallagher, Austin J.; Hammerschlag, Neil
• Is Part Of: Marine and freshwater behaviour and physiology. Volume 49:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 249
• Publication Date: 2016-07-03
• Subjects: Shark -- hammerhead -- habitat use -- behavior -- predation -- specializations; Marine animals -- Physiology -- Periodicals; Marine animals -- Behavior -- Periodicals; Freshwater animals -- Physiology -- Periodicals; Freshwater animals -- Behavior -- Periodicals; Marine biology -- Periodicals; Aquatic animals -- Periodicals; 591.77
• DOI: 10.1080/10236244.2016.1168089
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1023-6244

Abstract

Abstract: Evidence suggests the great hammerhead shark, Sphyrna mokarran, is vulnerable to a variety of anthropogenic stressors, and is an understudied species of shark due to its cryptic nature and wide-ranging movements. While recognized as both a pelagic-coastal and a highly mobile predator, minimal anecdotal evidence exist describing shallow water habitat use by this species. This report describes six cases in which a great hammerhead shark utilizes an inshore shallow water flats environment (<1.5 m in depth), five of which involve prey capture. These observations permitted identification of two novel behaviors that may allow great hammerheads to inhabit these shallow habitats: a (1) prey-capture technique termed 'grasp-turning' that involves burst swimming at tight turning angles while grasping prey and (2) a post-predation recovery period whereby the shark maintains head-first orientation into the current that may facilitate respiration and prey consumption. These behavioral observations provide insights into the natural history of this species.