Winghead shark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Winghead shark |
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Eusphyra
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E. blochii
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| Map of where the winghead shark is found (In blue) | |
The winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii) is a special type of Hammerhead shark. It gets its name from the wide, flat parts on its head that look like wings. This shark is the only one in its group, called Eusphyra. It's a small and gentle shark. People sometimes fish for it in the areas where it lives.
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What Does It Look Like?
Like other Hammerhead sharks, the winghead shark has a unique "hammer" shaped head. This part is called a "cephalofoil". The winghead shark's cephalofoil is very long and thin. This makes it look different from other hammerhead sharks.
The width of its head can be almost half of its body length. From above, its head looks like an arrow. It also has small bumps near its nostrils. Unlike other hammerhead sharks, its nostrils are closer to the middle of its head.
Winghead sharks are usually grey, greyish-brown, or light brown. They are small sharks. Most grow up to about 130 centimeters (51 inches) long. The longest one ever found was 186 centimeters (73 inches) long.
Where Do They Live?
The winghead shark lives in shallow waters. You can find them on the continental shelves of the Western Indo-Pacific region. This area stretches from the Persian Gulf to the Philippines.
They also live north towards China and Taiwan. South of these areas, you can find them near Queensland and the Northern Territory in Australia. Sometimes, winghead sharks even swim into the brackish water of estuaries.
What Do They Eat?
The winghead shark enjoys a varied diet. They mainly eat bony fish. They also hunt crustaceans like crabs and shrimp.
Other favorite foods include cephalopods. These are sea creatures like squid, octopus, and cuttlefish.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Like most other Hammerhead sharks, the winghead shark gives birth to live young. This is called being viviparous.
Near Mumbai, India, winghead sharks usually mate between June and August. Female sharks are pregnant for about 8 to 11 months. They give birth to their pups in April and May.
Near Australia, females are pregnant for 10 to 11 months. They give birth to their young in February and March. A female shark can have 6 to 25 pups each year. The young sharks are usually 32 to 45 centimeters (13 to 18 inches) long when they are born. Winghead sharks become adults when they are about 110 centimeters long.
Images for kids
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Winghead shark, X-ray image
See also
In Spanish: Cornuda planeadora para niños
