Hammerhead shark in Kona, Hawaii.

“In Native Hawaiian culture, sharks are considered to be gods of the sea, also known as aumakua, protectors of humans, and cleaners of excessive ocean life. The hammerhead shark, also known as mano kihikihi, is not considered a man-eater or niuhi; it is considered to be one of the most respected sharks of the ocean, an aumakua. Many Hawaiian families believe that they have an aumakua watching over them and protecting them from the niuhi. Many Maui natives believe that when the hammerhead sharks pass by, it is a sign that the gods are watching over the families, and the oceans are clean and balanced.” (wikipedia)

5 responses to “Hammer Time”

  1. jurvetson Avatar
    jurvetson

    It moved so fast, and came right at my camera several times, eventually banging against my hand:

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    Playing chicken with a black-tip shark
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    Jump to shark video segment

    Reply
  2. angry shock Avatar
    angry shock

    Very interesting… I was reading the wikipedia entry for the evolutionary reasons theorized for that shape of the head.

    I wonder how it would be to see like these guys. It’s already quite difficult to figure out how a fish sees!

    And what about bugs with those compound eyes?

    Is there a way we can simulate how they see? How it is processed? I never looked into that (pun intended). But very curious… if we can get an idea of how their "neural images" from those eyes are.

    Now what are you doing swimming with sharks anyway!!!

    Reply
  3. js.brain Avatar
    js.brain

    How was the feelings? Swimming with sharks!!!

    Reply
  4. Dabbler Avatar
    Dabbler

    Cool daring imagery! I’ve heard they are fearless and can be aggressive.. I would feel safer with a great white.. and less safe with a bull shark.

    Reply
  5. js.brain Avatar
    js.brain

    Hammerheads use electro-reception system called cephalofoils for detection of prey, even a heart-beat of a hidden fish, they are able to feel, using their electro-reception system, which allows them detect their prey by electrical fields.
    When a hammerhead shark searches for flatfish, it moves its head back and forth, almost as if it were using a metal detector. Sensing the electric fields that are generated by all animals due to the activity of their nerves and muscles.

    Reply

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