The Hammerhead is chiefly distinguished by the singular form of its
head, which is flattened horizontally, and the sides prolonged, giving
it the appearance of the head of a hammer. The eyes of this Fish are
placed at the extremity of these hammer points of the head; they are
grey, projecting, and the iris is gold-colored. When the animal is
irritated, the colors of the iris become like flame, to the horror of
the fishermen who behold them.
Beneath the head and near to the junction of the trunk is the mouth,
which is semi-circular, and furnished on each jaw with three or four
rows of large teeth pointed and barbed on two sides.
The most common species in our seas is long and slender in the body,
which is grey, and the head is black. It usually attains the length of
eleven or twelve feet, weighing occasionally nearly five hundred pounds.
Its boldness and voracity, and craving for blood, are more remarkable
than its size. If the Hammerhead has not the strength of the Shark, it
surpasses it in fury; few Fishes are better known to sailors in
consequence of its striking form. Its voracity often brings it round
ships and near the coast. Its visits impress themselves on the memory of
the sailor, and he loves to relate his hair-breadth escape from the
meeting.