Sphyrna lewini
The laterally expanded head displays a distinctively arched profile with a pronounced central indentation — the diagnostic feature of Sphyrna lewini. This cephalofoil structure functions as a hydrodynamic bow plane, providing exceptional turning maneuverability.
With eyes and nostrils positioned at the lateral extremities of the head, the species achieves 360-degree vision in the vertical plane. The entire ventral surface of the cephalofoil is densely lined with electroreceptive organs, enabling the shark to detect the faint bioelectric fields emitted by prey buried beneath the seafloor.
The dorsal coloration is olive-gray to metallic bronze, grading into a completely white or pale ventral surface — a countershading strategy that provides camouflage from both below and above.
This species is a placental viviparous shark: females gestate their young internally through a true placenta. Following a gestation period of 9 to 12 months, females give birth to litters of 15 to 30 pups.
