SHARK, HAMMERHEAD
The hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), or mangopare of the Maoris, is well named, for the lateral extensions of the head are shaped just like a double-headed hammer. It grows up to about 15 ft in length, but most examples seen locally are less than half that length. Young examples are ash grey above, fading to pale yellowish below, but adults are often yellowish-brown to khaki colour. The eyes are at the extremities of the hammer head. In Australia this shark is regarded as dangerous, since large specimens frequent bathing beaches.
by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.
