An incredible video captured a hammerhead shark fearlessly swimming around a boat during a fishing trip in the Saronic Gulf.
The video was filmed on September 29, 2024, by Dimitris Zahariou, who was fishing off the coast of Kyra Island, northwest of Agistri in the Saronic Gulf.
The small hammerhead shark swam close to the boat, giving the fisherman the opportunity to record this rare sight. This species, known as “Zygaena” in Greek, is considered one of the rarest shark species found in Greek waters.
Watch the video here:
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Sharks in the Mediterranean
There are more than 47 species of sharks in the Mediterranean Sea, 16 of which are endangered. Many of these species live and breed in Greek waters, contributing to the balance of the marine ecosystem.
Most sharks prefer deep waters, ranging from 400 to 800 meters, while some species can be found closer to the surface, even at depths of 20 meters. Despite concerns about their increased appearances, researchers assure that swimmers are not at risk, as these sharks feed mainly on plankton and small fish.
The Role of Sharks in the Ecosystem
The absence of sharks from Greek waters could have serious consequences for the marine ecosystem. Scientists warn that the extinction of these species, due to overfishing and habitat destruction, could disrupt the food chain, affecting the quality of the fish that end up on our plates.
The Rarity of the Hammerhead Shark
The appearance of the hammerhead shark, as captured in the video, is extremely rare. Amateur recordings in recent years show that when these species appear in shallow waters, they pose no threat to humans.
According to the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), three shark species are on the red list of endangered species in Greece: the basking shark, the great white shark, and the hammerhead shark.
Hammerhead Sharks: Unique Creatures of the Deep
Hammerhead sharks, also known as “Zygaena”, “Sphyrna”, or “Sphyrnes” in Greek, belong to the order Carcharhiniformes and are distinguished by the characteristic structure of their heads, which are flat and extended like a hammer.
These sharks belong to the family Sphyrnidae and are divided into two genera: the genus Sphyrna and the genus Eusphyra, which includes only one species.
The shape of the hammerhead’s head remains a subject of scientific research, with some theories arguing that it enhances their senses or helps with movement and prey detection. These sharks are often found near the coast and are one of the few species that form schools. Their size varies depending on the species, with a length of 0.9 to 6 meters and a weight that can reach half a ton.
It has been argued that the unique shape of their head improves their vision. Hammerheads have stereoscopic vision, meaning that the position of their eyes allows them to have a full 360-degree view on the vertical axis, giving them the ability to see both above and below simultaneously. In addition, the shape of the skull enhances the distribution of the ampullae of Lorenzini – special sensors that detect electric fields – improving their ability to detect their prey.
This information provides a more comprehensive picture of this particular shark species and its adaptations in nature, highlighting its rarity and importance to the marine ecosystem.
Video/ Photo: Dimitris Zahariou