The hammerhead shark is one of the most distinctive and fascinating predators in the ocean. Recognized by its flattened “hammer”-shaped head, known as a cephalofoil, this species combines striking appearance with remarkable hunting abilities. Around the Madeira Archipelago, hammerhead sharks are an intriguing yet rarely seen highlight for marine enthusiasts exploring the island’s deep blue waters.
Species Overview: The Smooth Hammerhead
The smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena) is the second-largest species within the hammerhead family. It can grow up to 4 meters in length and is found in both temperate and tropical waters across the globe — including the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, where Madeira offers ideal conditions for occasional sightings. Unlike the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), this species has a smoother, gently curved head and lacks the deep central notch typical of its larger relative.
Hammerhead Sharks in Madeira’s Waters
Coastal Sightings Around Madeira
Although hammerhead sharks are typically considered open-ocean species, we sometimes spot them surprisingly close to Madeira’s coastline. During calm summer days, they may approach the island’s underwater slopes in search of schooling fish or warmer surface waters. While such encounters are rare, they offer a breathtaking reminder of how alive and interconnected Madeira’s marine ecosystem truly is. For our Ontales crew and guests, seeing a hammerhead glide near the coast is one of the most thrilling and memorable moments at sea.
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Habitat and Distribution
Hammerhead sharks inhabit coastal and pelagic zones worldwide. They prefer open waters near continental shelves, seamounts, and islands — like Madeira. Here, nutrient-rich upwellings attract a variety of prey, making the area an occasional feeding ground for large pelagic species, including hammerheads, dolphins, and pilot whales.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
The diet of hammerhead sharks consists mainly of small fish, squid, and rays. Their wide, T-shaped head improves maneuverability and enhances their ability to detect electrical signals from hidden prey — a key advantage when hunting along the ocean floor or in the deep waters surrounding Madeira. Typical prey includes:
🐟 Small schooling fish such as sardines, mackerel, and herring
🦑 Cephalopods, including squid and octopus
🐠 Bottom-dwelling species like rays and small sharks
🦀 Crustaceans found along sandy seabeds
Thanks to their unique hammer-shaped head, hammerheads can detect the faint electrical signals emitted by hidden prey. This ability gives them a major advantage when foraging in the deep Atlantic waters around Madeira.
Behavior and Social Life
Unlike most shark species, hammerhead sharks often form schools during the day, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. This social behavior, combined with their hydrodynamic body design, makes them both efficient hunters and graceful swimmers. At night, they typically separate to hunt alone, guided by their acute sense of smell and electrosensory perception.
Conservation and Research
Hammerhead sharks, including Sphyrna zygaena, are currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Overfishing and bycatch have significantly reduced their populations. Conservation efforts in the Madeira region and throughout the North Atlantic focus on sustainable fishing practices and marine research — areas that Ontales supports through education and awareness during its ocean tours.
Fish or cetacean?
The hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena) is a cartilaginous fish, not a cetacean.
However, it shares the same ecosystem as many cetaceans — which is why it’s relevant for Ontales whale watching tours in Madeira (you can occasionally see both in the same region).
Hammerhead Shark vs Cetacean — Short Comparison
Feature
Hammerhead Shark (Fish)
Whales & Dolphins (Cetaceans)
Animal type
Fish (Class: Chondrichthyes)
Mammal (Class: Mammalia)
Breathing
Gills (underwater)
Lungs (surface to breathe)
Body temperature
Cold-blooded
Warm-blooded
Reproduction
May give birth or lay eggs; no nursing
Give birth and nurse young with milk
Skeleton
Cartilage
Bone
Why Hammerheads Matter in Madeira’s Ecosystem
As apex predators, hammerhead sharks help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling prey populations. Their presence in the Madeira marine environment is an indicator of healthy oceanic biodiversity. Learning about them deepens our understanding of the fragile equilibrium that supports whales, dolphins, and countless other species that thrive in these waters.
Discover Marine Life with Ontales
Join Ontales Whale Watching Madeira Tours to explore the island’s extraordinary marine life — from playful dolphins and majestic whales to rare visitors like the hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena). Each excursion supports ongoing conservation work and offers the chance to witness the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean surrounding Madeira.
