Giant Hammerhead shark caught of NSW coast

Fishermen caught a giant Hammerhead shark weighing one and a quarter tonnes and measuring 20ft long, off the north coast of New South Wales. It is thought to be at least 40 years old. The shark died as it was hauled to shore. 'It's a magnificent specimen for sure' said Mr Hislop of the Shark Museum in Queensland.

Some species of hammerheads are on the global endangered list but they are not renowned for attacking humans, unlike the man-eating great white shark. Hammerheads, found in warm waters around the world, get their name from the shape of their heads, which are flattened and extend sideways.
This is thought to help them move in close to their prey and to find food on the sea bed.

While they are not notorious for killing humans, the International Shark Attack file lists them as seventh among sharks that pose a danger to people, the most dangerous being the great white. In recent years there have been 33 reported hammerhead attacks on humans, but none have been fatal.