New Hammerhead Shark Species
The discovery of a cryptic species of scalloped hammerhead shark species has recently hit the press.
Cryptic species are groups of species that are anatomically indistinguishable but are reproductively isolated and usually have been differentiated by genetic analysis.
Scalloped hammerhead sharks, known scientifically as Sphyrna lewini, are found all over the globe but the new species seems to live primarily off the east coast of the US and claims the waters of South Carolina for nursery grounds. The 2 species look virtually identical but they are genetically distinct and their numbers of vertebrae differ.
The new species hasn’t been officially described or named yet. However, a likely name is S. gilberti after Carter Gilbert who first noticed the variation in vertebrae among the scalloped hammerhead sharks. Information about the discovery can be found on USC News site, What’s swimming in the waters off the coast? USC scientist finds ‘genetically distinct’ shark.
Also, a brief interview with one of the researchers can be found on South Carolina’s Homepage, Shark! USC researcher helps find new species of hammerhead.
For lots of great information on scalloped hammerheads check out this FACT SHEET.
Researchers have submitted a paper for publication:
Stoner, D. S., J. M. Grady, W. B. Driggers, K. A. Priede and J. M. Quattro. Molecular Evidence for a Cryptic Species of Hammerhead Shark (Genus Sphyrna). Marine Biology.