Hammerhead Shark in Tennessee: what to know before you start looking

1. Is there a hammerhead shark in Tennessee?

No wild hammerhead sharks live in Tennessee. These ocean dwellers require saltwater, and Tennessee is landlocked. The best place to see one is the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, which houses a scalloped hammerhead in its Ocean Experience exhibit. If you're hoping to spot one in the wild, you'll need to head to the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic coast.

2. Where is the most likely place to see a hammerhead shark in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Aquarium's Ocean Experience exhibit is your best bet. The aquarium’s massive 400,000-gallon tank features a scalloped hammerhead shark, along with other large fish. Check the aquarium’s website for feeding times, as that’s when the shark is most active. For a chance to see hammerheads in their natural habitat, plan a trip to the Gulf of Mexico, about a 7-hour drive from Memphis.

3. What time of year is best for spotting hammerhead sharks in Tennessee?

Since the only reliable sighting is at the Tennessee Aquarium, any time of year works. The aquarium is open year-round, and hammerhead activity is consistent. For the least crowded experience, visit on a weekday morning. If you're traveling to the coast, summer months (June through September) offer the best odds of seeing hammerheads near the surface.

See ourHammerhead Shark trunkfor the next step.

4. How can you identify a hammerhead shark?

A hammerhead is unmistakable: its head is flattened into a wide, hammer-like shape called a cephalofoil. The eyes are at the ends of the wings. Their bodies are gray-brown on top and white below. Look for a tall, curved first dorsal fin and a large, sickle-shaped tail fin. Adults can reach 13-20 feet long, depending on the species.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.

5. What other sharks might you see in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Aquarium also keeps sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and nurse sharks. In the wild, bull sharks have been reported as far up the Mississippi River, but they are extremely rare in Tennessee. For more on local wildlife, check ourTennessee wildlife guide.

6. How to prepare for a shark-spotting trip to the aquarium?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. Check the aquarium’s schedule for talks and feeding demos. Arrive early to avoid crowds. If you’re planning a coastal trip, bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot fin shapes on the water. Practice patience: hammerheads are often found near drop-offs and reefs.

7. What shark-themed gear should you consider for your trip?

After your visit, rep the shark love with a wildlife shirt. Here are a few options:

Hammerhead Shark Giclée Print

A minimalist black-and-white print that captures the hammerhead’s silhouette. Perfect for a home office or coastal-themed room.Check Price and Availability

Whale Shark Wall Art

If you're into whale sharks too, this black-and-white canvas print brings the ocean indoors.Check Price and Availability

Colourful Abstract Shark Canvas

A bold, colorful abstract for those who like a pop of art. Great for a den or kid’s room.Check Price and Availability

For more shirts and art, browse ourwildlife t-shirts.

Black and White Shark Ocean Depth Modern Coastal Decor – Pictures Framed Canvas Print Wall Art IDEA4WALL Size: 24" H x 36" W Format: Natural Floater

From WayfairCheck Price and Availability

8. Frequently asked questions about hammerhead sharks in Tennessee

**Can hammerhead sharks live in freshwater?** No, they are obligate saltwater fish and cannot survive in freshwater. **Are there any hammerhead sharks in Tennessee rivers?** No records exist of hammerheads in Tennessee waterways. Only bull sharks have been found far up rivers. **What is the best aquarium in Tennessee to see a hammerhead?** The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is the only one with a hammerhead. **How big is the hammerhead at the Tennessee Aquarium?** The scalloped hammerhead is about 6 feet long, younger and smaller than full-grown adults.

For more on shark species, visit ourhammerhead shark hub.