Bonnethead sharks are a common sight in the inshore waters and bays of the Gulf Coast, according to marine experts.
Dr. Sean Powers, director of the University of South Alabama School of Marine and Environmental Sciences and senior marine scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, says bonnethead sharks are very common in inshore waters.
“Swimmers will see them if they’re in the back bay around seagrass,” Powers said.
Size and Social Behavior
Bonnethead sharks are small, growing to about four feet maximum. They are also very social sharks, often seen in groups of four or five individuals.
These sharks primarily eat crustaceans, especially shrimp and crabs. Powers says bonnetheads specialize on blue crabs and can eat a tremendous number of them.
Not a Threat to Swimmers
Unlike many shark species, bonnetheads are not considered a threat to swimmers. They are part of the hammerhead family, with their mouth positioned underneath them, making it difficult for them to bite humans.
“You would have to work pretty hard to get bit by a bonnethead,” Powers said.
Bonnetheads are also commonly found in aquariums where visitors can pet rays.