Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Marine Life by Papo)

Review and images by JimoAi; edited by bmathison1972

Out of all the shark species, the most distinguishable group is probably the ones from the family Sphyrnidae, while all but the winghead shark of the genus Eusphyra are placed under the genus Sphyra, better known as the hammerhead sharks. As of 2021, there are 10 recognizable species ranging in size from the smallest species, the appropriately named 92-cm-long scalloped bonnethead shark (Sphyrna corona) to the largest species, the 400 to 600 cm great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran). The subject of today’s review is a mid-sized species, the scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini). Females are larger than males and can get to about 250-300 cm on average, while the largest females get to about 420 cm. They are a schooling species that gather in large numbers in places like the Galapagos Islands. Like other hammerhead sharks, they have an eye for either side of their heads to give them a 360-degree view and stereovision on their uniquely shaped head (cephalofoil) which resembles a hammer, hence the name ‘hammerhead’. The cephalofoil is used for sensory reception, manoeuvering, and pinning down prey such as their favourite: stingrays, though they also eat bony fishes, cephalopods, crustaceans, and the larger specimens are known to eat smaller shark species or cannibalize on smaller individuals. Hammerhead sharks are found in warm waters around the world, although, unfortunately, almost all are threatened, from Vulnerable in the smooth hammerhead, Endangered in the bonnethead shark, and Critically Endangered in the great and scalloped hammerheads, all due to the shameless and cruel act of shark finning, as hammerhead fins are very sought after. Hammerhead sharks are also caught as bycatch. Scalloped hammerheads also have a distinctly shaped head with largest bumps that gives it a ‘scalloped’ appearance, hence its common name, and they are the most-commonly kept large hammerheads in public aquaria.

About the figure: the figure is about 18.5 cm when measured along the curve, which puts this figure at the 1:13.5 and 1:22 scale for an average-sized and really large individuals, respectively. This figure is a female, like the majority of sharks and rays figures made, due to the absence of claspers. There are even nostrils sculpted in between the bumps in the cephalofoil but they are barely noticeable unless you have the figure in hand.

Like most figures from large companies, this Papo hammerhead shark is simply labelled as ‘Hammerhead Shark’. This figure is identifiable as a scalloped hammerhead due to the relatively shorter dorsal fin in proportion to the body as compared to a great hammerhead, and the scalloped-shaped head.

The coloration is bluish-grey on top with a white belly. The proportion of the fins compared to the body looks spot on, all 5 gill slits are sculpted and are appropriately sized, and the black tips on the fins are present at the bottom of the pectoral and anal fins, which is often omitted on some shark figures. The eye is a sky blue colour and the interior of the mouth is painted pink, although mine has a sloppy paint application. Another thing worth noting that this figure only has the lower teeth sculpted. The upper teeth are absent.

Compared to the CollectA scalloped hammerhead, the Papo figure does have the better proportion, but the CollectA wins the spot in my synoptic collection due to the better size, although some of the fins are too pointy, the fifth gill slit is lacking, and the black tips on fins are also lacking. I have since carved a faint 5th gill slit in my figure. I think the pointy fins may be reflecting a single individual, although I may have a soft spot for it as the CollectA hammerhead was my 2nd great hammerhead figure I owned after the baby hammerhead by Safari Ltd. Unlike the Papo version, this figure has its upper teeth sculpted finely. I think both sharks go well with one another. Reviewer Suspsy has already taken an in-depth look on the CollectA scalloped hammerhead.

Final thoughts on this figure: I think this Papo hammerhead shark is one of the best representatives of a scalloped hammerhead, along with CollectA’s and the small one that was made by Colorata. My issues with this figure are the size (wish it was a little smaller) and lack of teeth on the upper jaw. Other than that, I say this is a highly recommended figure. Safari Ltd. and Schleich have made figures of the great hammerhead even though I’m still unsure which species Schleich is representing. I really hope a company tackles a mid-sized smooth hammerhead figure soon, or make a slightly smaller version of this figure.