Hammerhead sharks possess a 360-degree field of vision, allowing them to see above and below themselves at the same time.

A 2009 study led by biologist Michelle McComb from Florida Atlantic University confirmed that hammerhead sharks have the widest field of vision among all shark species. By surgically placing sensors on the sharks' corneas to measure brain activity in response to light, researchers found that the Winghead shark and Scalloped Hammerhead have vertical and horizontal coverage totaling 360 degrees. This panoramic capability is a direct result of the cephalofoil, the laterally expanded head shape unique to the Sphyrnidae family.The extreme distance between the eyes allows for a significant overlap in their visual fields, which provides hammerheads with superior binocular vision. This binocular overlap is up to three times greater than that of other shark species like the Great White or Lemon shark. This enhanced depth perception is critical for accurately striking fast-moving, agile prey such as squid or small fish in the open ocean.Despite this wide view, the placement of the eyes creates a visual 'dead zone' directly in front of the shark's snout. To compensate, hammerheads utilize a swimming technique called 'head-tossing' where they oscillate their heads laterally. This movement allows them to scan the blind spot and maintain a continuous, unbroken view of their environment. This evolutionary adaptation makes them one of the most efficient predators in the marine ecosystem.