There are many differences between the hammerhead shark vs. great white shark. Both the hammerhead and the great white rank high among the fiercest predators. The reason is that these shark species dominate in terms of size.
In this article, we’ll cover what sets these two sharks apart and who would win in a fight.
Comparing a Hammerhead Shark Vs. Great White Shark
| Hammerhead Shark | Great White Shark | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 900 to 1080 lbs. 10 to 14 ft long | 2540 to 4930 lbs. 18 to 26 ft long |
| Offensive Capabilities | Bite force: 539 PSI Sharp triangular serrated teeth | Bite force: 625 PSI Sharp triangular serrated teeth |
| Defenses | Fast Easily blends in | Aggressive Larger shark species |
| Predatory Behaviors | Ambushes prey Seeks smaller prey | Stalks prey Attacks from below at top speed |
| Speed and Movement Type | 25 mph | 25 mph Short bursts up to 35 mph |
What Are the Main Differences Between a Hammerhead Shark Vs. Great White Shark?
Hammerhead sharks and great white sharks are known for their size. However, while both are sharks, there are notable differences between the two creatures. The main differences between the hammerhead and the great white are appearance and size.
Below is a detailed examination of the differences between the hammerhead vs. the great white.
Appearance
One of the main ways to distinguish between a hammerhead and a great white shark is by noting the physical appearance. The name of the hammerhead shark sheds light on its appearance. This shark’s head looks like the head of a hammer.
The hammerhead shark’s head looks like the head of a hammer.
©HakBak/Shutterstock.com
The pelvic fins of the hammerhead shark have concave rear margins. It also has sharp triangular teeth with serrated edges.
On the other hand, the great white shark’s head looks like that of many other shark species. This shark has triangular serrated teeth, a streamlined body, and a snout that points outward.
Size
Shark species vary when it comes to size. It’s no secret that hammerhead and great white sharks rank at the top regarding their size. Both are large, but the great white shark dominates.
The hammerhead shark weighs between 900 to 1280 lbs. and can grow 10 to 14 feet long. However, the great white shark weighs 2540 to 4938 lbs. and can grow 18 to 26 feet long.
Looking at the numbers shows a clear winner when it comes to size. The great white shark is so much bigger than the hammerhead shark!
Lifespan
The lifespan of sharks varies depending on species. There’s a clear difference when comparing the hammerhead and great white sharks. A hammerhead shark lives between 20 and 30 years, while a great white shark lives between 30 and 40 years.
Habitat and Location
Where can you find the hammerhead and the great white? It’s important to note the subtle differences in habitat and location for the shark species.
The hammerhead sharks prefer coastal waters that are shallow and in warm climates. For example, tropical waters are the ideal home. When summer comes around, they migrate north from the tropical areas.
Great white sharks are present in multiple climates. As a result, spotting them in both the warmer tropical climates and the colder parts of the world is easy. Central California and western parts of South Africa have the ideal coastal climates for the great white shark. Great whites pick spots that offer excellent hunting grounds. These are mostly continental and insular shelves globally.
Great white sharks are found in different climates as long as its an excellent hunting ground.
©iStock.com/Martin Heyn
Diet
Both the hammerhead and the great white shark share a similar diet. These shark species are carnivores that feed on other marine animals. However, there are some differences worth noting.
The hammerhead shark’s diet consists of smaller sharks, bony fish, stingrays, squids, and crustaceans. On the other hand, the great white shark loves to feast on small whales, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, and seals.
Notably, the great white shark goes for larger marine animals, while the hammerhead shark picks smaller prey.
What Are the Primary Factors in a Fight Between a Hammerhead Shark Vs. Great White Shark?
A fight between a hammerhead and a great white shark would be interesting. But who would win? There are specific elements to look at when determining the outcome of this battle.
As noted above, it’s clear the great white shark is much larger than the hammerhead shark. Below are more factors to consider in this fight.
Offensive Capabilities
Hammerhead sharks are dominant predators in the world’s oceans. When it comes to offensive capabilities, they have a powerful bite force of 539 PSI. Additionally, their sharp triangular serrated teeth tear into flesh.
The great white sharks are much larger and dominate the oceans. However, they don’t have an extremely powerful bite force. In fact, the great white shark’s bite is estimated at 625 PSI. Still, when you compare it to the hammerhead shark’s bite, the great white wins. Additionally, they are athletic hunters that enjoy leaping from the water when attacking their prey.
Defenses
In the ocean, size matters. Smaller animals often fall prey to the bigger and more aggressive ones.
Hammerhead sharks can easily blend into the background while waiting for prey. They have a light grey appearance with a greenish tint and white bellies.
The great white shark’s size and menacing appearance are one of its main defenses. Only a few other creatures can go head-to-head with the great white and come out on top.
Predatory Behaviors
The hammerhead and the great white sharks are top predators in the ocean. Though they differ in what they hunt, they’re both carnivores.
The hammerhead shark camouflages with its surroundings.
Conversely, the great white shark prefers to stalk their prey, relying less on remaining hidden. They seek out prey on the surface of the water while swimming below. Once they lock on their target, these great whites come from below at top speed, leaping into the air as they bite down hard on the prey.
Speed and Movement Type
Sharks are excellent swimmers and can reach top speeds when pursuing prey. For example, the hammerhead shark can reach top speeds of 25 mph. By comparison, this is similar to the great white shark that also reaches speeds of 25 mph.
However, there’s a notable difference between the two. The great white shark can do short bursts of 35 mph while coming from below to attack prey on the surface.
Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Hammerhead Shark Vs. Great White Shark?
From all the information and data above, we assume the great white shark would defeat the hammerhead shark in a fight. In size, a mature great white shark dwarfs the hammerhead shark. In addition, the great white shark is an apex predator, is aggressive, and has a more powerful bite force.
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