Bonnethead Shark Videos

Species Name: - Bonnethead Shark

Scientific Name: - (Sphyrna tiburo)

Other Names: - Bonnet Shark, Shovelnose Shark

Range: - Limited to the warm, subtropical waters of the Western Hemisphere, bonnethead sharks are typically found between 41 degrees north and 34 degrees south latitude, in the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans. In the Atlantic, bonnetheads can be located from North Carolina to Georgia, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, south through the Caribbean Sea around Cuba and the Bahamas and continuing south to Brazil and Argentina. On rare occasions they will be found as far east as Bermuda and as far north as Rhode Island. In the Pacific, they occupy an area running from southern California to Ecuador and Peru.

Habitat: - Sticks largely to the shallows and is a common sight to the many Floridians who fish Speckled Trout and other species on the flats. Also roams channels and deeper water. Within their range, these sharks confine themselves to warm coastal waters and are generally an inshore species that inhabit reefs, sandy bottoms, areas of surf, bays and some river estuaries. As an active tropical shark, they travel great distances during their seasonal migrations and inhabit water as deep as 260 feet. They spend most of their lives at depths of 30 to 80 feet. They prefer water temperatures above 70 F and can tolerate much warmer temperatures. Their seasonal migrations are related to changes in water temperatures with migrations to warmer water in winter and cooler water in summer. As a result they are found closer to the equator in winter and at higher latitudes in the summer.

Description: - The Bonnethead is unmistakable because of its rounded or shovel-shaped head - not squared off or only slightly rounded as in the larger Hammerheads. Color is usually a very light gray, appearing almost white in the water.

Size: - Averages 2-5 pounds; occasionally tops 10 pounds. World record 23 pounds, 11 ounces.

Food Value or Usage: - Good to eat. Bonnethead sharks have a diverse diet that focuses on smaller prey. Their favored foods are hard-shelled crustaceans and mollusks, particularly blue crabs. They also have a taste for shrimp, octopus and small fish. On occasion they will eat sea grasses.

This species is well adapted for feeding. They have well developed sensory and nervous systems. The eyes are very sensitive to light and shadows, which allows them to see well in areas of low light. They also have an exceptional sense of smell. Finally, their lateral line senses even the smallest vibrations, which can alert them to possible prey hundreds of feet away. This combination of senses makes them very adept feeders. They have great agility as well, which assists them in attacking prey. Generally, when they are preparing to feed, they will swim slowly within range and then accelerate rapidly to attack.

Game Qualities: - A spunky little fighter on light gear, but not so tough as other kinds.

Tackle and Baits: - Light spinning and baitcasting outfits. Any sort of small live fish or cut bait.