Hammerhead Shark Colouring

Hammerhead sharks are a family of sharks recognised instantly by their wide, flattened heads, called cephalofoils. Different hammerhead species live in warm temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. They may visit coastal bays, continental shelves, reefs and deeper offshore water. Size and lifespan depend on the species. Smaller bonnetheads are around 1 metre long, while a great hammerhead can approach 6 metres; many large hammerheads are thought to live roughly 20 to 30 years, and some species may survive longer. An eye sits near each end of the hammer, giving the shark a broad view of its surroundings. The head also spreads out the pores that sense weak electrical signals from prey hiding under sand. Hammerheads eat fish, squid, crustaceans and rays. Some, especially scalloped hammerheads, gather in impressive daytime schools before travelling out to feed. Despite their dramatic shape, they are graceful swimmers that use the head and fins to turn through the water. In this picture, the shark cruises peacefully above a simple reef while little fish move below. Colour the back grey, brown-grey, olive or deep blue-grey, then use cream or very pale grey on the underside. You can make the wide head slightly lighter along its front edge so both eyes remain clear. Colour the tall dorsal fin to match the back and keep the mouth closed and calm. Try yellow, orange, silver or striped patterns on the small reef fish. The coral shapes can be coral pink, red-orange, violet or golden yellow, while the seagrass can be green or teal. Use sandy beige along the bottom and layered blues in the water. Long strokes from the hammer-shaped head toward the tail will make the body feel streamlined. Work slowly around the unusual head so each eye and nostril stays inside its outline. Gentle curved strokes around the reef suggest flowing water. If you want to decorate the open water, add only a few bubbles or pale sunbeams. Leaving white space around the shark helps its extraordinary silhouette stand out. When finished, the page should celebrate the hammerhead's special senses, wide field of view and important role as a predator in healthy ocean habitats.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

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