CR

Scoophead Shark

Sphyrna media

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Scoophead hammerhead shark faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive fishing pressure across its limited range in the tropical eastern Pacific. This species is particularly vulnerable to both targeted fishing and bycatch in gillnet and longline fisheries, with its distinctive head shape making it easily recognizable and often retained when caught. The species' restricted geographic distribution and suspected low reproductive rate compound these fishing pressures, leading to rapid population reductions.

Threat summary

Habitat

Sphyrna media inhabits tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, typically found in nearshore environments and continental shelf areas. The species occurs in waters from southern Baja California, Mexico, south to northern Peru, preferring warm oceanic and coastal marine habitats.

MARINE· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryLegislationCompliance and enforcement

Other threatened species in SPHYRNIDAE

CR

Smalleye Hammerhead

Sphyrna tudes

Declining
Winghead SharkCR

Winghead Shark

Eusphyra blochii

Declining
Bonnethead SharkEN

Bonnethead Shark

Sphyrna tiburo

Declining
VU

Smooth Hammerhead

Sphyrna zygaena

Declining

Threatened in Brazil

Striped SmoothhoundCR

Striped Smoothhound

Mustelus fasciatus

Declining
VU

Mussismilia hispida

Declining
VU

Myrcia carioca

Declining
Brasilia TapaculoEN

Brasilia Tapaculo

Scytalopus novacapitalis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Scoophead Shark classified as Critically Endangered?
Scoophead Shark is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Scoophead hammerhead shark faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive fishing pressure across its limited range in the tropical eastern Pacific. This species is particularly vulnerable to both targeted fishing and bycatch in gillnet and longline fisheries, with its distinctive head shape making it easily recognizable and often retained when caught. The species' restricted geographic distribution and suspected low reproductive rate compound these fishing pressures, leading to rapid population reductions.
Where does Scoophead Shark live?
Scoophead Shark occurs in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guyana, and Mexico (plus 5 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Scoophead Shark?
The main threats to Scoophead Shark are 2.4, 5.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.