Shark - Winghead

Dispatch Method:

Beware of the sharp teeth of sharks when handling them. The eating qualities of winghead sharks less than 120 cm (4 feet) long can be improved by killing them humanely by iki jime or a firm knock to the head before placing them in an ice slurry after bleeding. Sharks larger than around 120 cm (4 feet) long should be dispatched with a captive bolt tool or firearm (with appropriate safety precautions).

Fish Description:

• A small to medium sized hammerhead shark with a very wide (around half the body length), but very narrow wing-like head.
  
• Females mature at between 5-7 years old and 100-120 cm/3-4 feet long. They can live for at least 21 years, producing litters of 6-25 young.
  
• Winghead sharks eat mainly fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods.
  
• This species is not known to be dangerous to humans.

Fish Distribution:

• Winghead sharks occur throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region from the Persian Gulf to the Phillippines, China, and northern Australia.
  
• They can be found in estuaries as well as shallow inshore waters, as well as offshore to depths of around 100 m (300 feet).

Fish Size Common Length:

Common between 120 and 150 cm (4-5 feet) long, maximum size at least 240 cm (8 feet) long and 100 kg (220 pounds).