Overview
The scalloped bonnethead (Sphyrna corona) is a rare, little-known species of hammerhead shark in the family Sphyrnidae. Its other common names include the mallethead shark and the crown shark. It frequents inshore habitats over soft bottoms (mud, sand, and gravel) to a depth of 100 m, and also enters mangroves and estuaries. Its mallet-shaped head, called a cephalofoil, is moderately wide (24–29% of total length) and elongated lengthwise. The front margin is broadly arched, with shallow lateral and medial indentations, and no prenarial grooves. The mouth is small and strongly arched. The anal fin is long and has a nearly straight rear margin. Its coloration is gray above and white below, with no prominent fin markings. The similar scoophead (S. media) can be distinguished by a shorter snout, a broader mouth, and a deeply concave anal fin margin.
Sphyrna corona head.jpg Head, underside Sphyrna corona head2.jpg Head, top side Sphyrna corona jaws.jpg Jaws
External links
* Species Description of Sphyrna corona at www.shark-references.com * http://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/Ichthyology/Types/index.asp?xAction=Search&Family=Sphyrnidae&RecStyle=Full&PageStyle=Multiple&OrderBy=Family,%20TypeName,%20CatNum