Hammerhead sharks, with their distinctive head shape, are captivating marine predators. Their unique dental structure aids their predatory lifestyle. This article explores their teeth’s quantity, arrangement, characteristics, and continuous replacement process.
Hammerhead Tooth Count and Arrangement
Hammerhead sharks typically possess 60 to 80 teeth across their upper and lower jaws. The precise number varies among species; for example, larger species like the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) tend to have more teeth than their smaller relatives.
These teeth are arranged in multiple rows, not a single line. Most sharks, including hammerheads, can have between 5 and 15 rows of teeth, with some species displaying more than 20 rows. The teeth are organized in a conveyor-belt system, where new teeth develop behind the visible, functional ones. Only the first few rows are actively engaged in feeding, while the rows behind serve as replacements, constantly moving forward.
Hammerhead Tooth Characteristics and Purpose
Hammerhead shark teeth are well-suited for their diet and predatory actions. They are generally sharp and pointed, allowing them to grip slippery prey. Some hammerhead species, such as the great hammerhead, feature triangular, strongly serrated teeth for cutting flesh, while others like the smooth hammerhead may have smoother-edged teeth. The scalloped hammerhead also typically has small, narrow, triangular teeth with smooth edges, although larger individuals can develop slight serrations.
Hammerheads are known for hunting stingrays, using their unique head shape to pin them to the seafloor. Beyond their teeth, they also use wide-set eyes and specialized electroreceptive organs, called ampullae of Lorenzini, to detect faint electrical impulses from prey.
How Hammerheads Replace Their Teeth
Like all sharks, hammerheads continuously replace their teeth. This process ensures they always maintain a functional set of sharp teeth for hunting and feeding. New teeth form in rows behind existing ones and gradually move forward to replace any that are lost, broken, or worn down.
Sharks can shed thousands of teeth over their lifetime. The rate of replacement varies; some sharks replace a single tooth in as little as 24 hours, while others may take several weeks or months. This constant renewal is important because teeth frequently incur damage or become lodged in prey during feeding.