FISTERRA – A rare sighting was made last week in the waters of the Costa da Morte, the coast of death in A Coruña, Galicia. A hammerhead shark was photographed 5 miles from Fisterra.
Photographer Miguel Rodríguez Esteban captured the three-metre hammerhead shark last week. As reported by the newspaper Faro de Vigo, a great white shark was sighted in this same area a year ago. According to biologists, it is very rare for this species (Sphyrna zygaena) to occur in these waters. However, it is not the first time it has been documented. There are records of previous sightings.
A hammerhead shark instead of birds
Miguel Rodríguez Esteban had gone out to sea to watch birds. Instead, he noticed the shark’s presence. Thanks to his quick actions, Esteban managed to capture the hammerhead shark.
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The hammerhead shark is mostly found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. However, due to its tolerance for different water temperatures, it can migrate to colder seas, such as that of Galicia. Very occasionally specimens migrate to the Mediterranean Sea. The species is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as vulnerable. Hammerhead sharks are known for their characteristically shaped head that resembles a hammer.
Most Common Sharks In Galician Waters
The most common sharks in Galicia’s waters are blue sharks, but other species of the family, such as the basking shark, are also found on specific occasions.
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