The hammerhead shark’s distinctive cephalofoil head grants it nearly 360‑degree vision and enhanced electroreception, making it one of the ocean’s most finely tuned predators
Cephalofoil anatomy and vision
The hammerhead’s wide, flattened head—called a cephalofoil—positions its eyes far apart, giving it an expansive visual field. Studies suggest this configuration allows for nearly panoramic vision, enabling the shark to see above, below and around its body with minimal blind spots.
Hunting advantages
This visual adaptation helps hammerheads detect prey from multiple angles, especially in open water or near the seafloor. The cephalofoil also improves maneuverability, allowing the shark to make tight turns and sweep its head side to side while scanning for prey.
Electroreception and sensory enhancement
Embedded in the cephalofoil are numerous ampullae of Lorenzini—specialized electroreceptors that detect the faint electric fields emitted by other animals. The broad surface area of the head increases the spatial resolution of this sense, helping hammerheads locate hidden prey like stingrays buried in sand.
Evolutionary significance
The hammerhead’s unusual head shape is not just a visual oddity but a product of evolutionary refinement, offering a suite of advantages in navigation, foraging and environmental awareness that distinguish it from other shark species.
Takeaway
With nearly 360° vision and enhanced electroreception, hammerhead sharks exemplify how evolutionary adaptations can dramatically improve sensory perception and hunting efficiency in the marine world.