Grayish brown dorsal with pale white belly. Has spade-shaped head. Second dorsal and anal fin are similar in size. Heterocercal tail.
Average Maximum Size:
152 cm (60 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Bonnethead sharks have a broad, rounded, shovel-shaped head with a smooth edge. The front of their head is not notched at the midline and they are countershaded with gray or grayish-brown back and paler belly. Bonnethead sharks have larger and more developed pectoral fins than other hammerhead sharks. They are the only species of hammerhead to actively use pectoral fins for swimming.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
The dorsal and caudal fins of juvenile bonnethead sharks have black edges.
Range:
Rhode Island to Brazil
Habitat:
Shallow, coastal waters and estuaries where there are sand and mud bottoms. May be found by reefs and the mouths of rivers. Preys primarily on crabs and shrimp.
