A paper published in the Environmental Biology of Fishes journal investigates the mating behavior of the endangered scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini). Based on observations from the Isla de Coco National Park, Costa Rica, the study utilized video of sharks copulating.

Mating seems to occur away from the school and in open water. The researchers hypothesize that it takes place in areas with significant current in order to help the sharks respiration. After mating, the pregnant females leave the Cocos and head towards mangrove forests to pup.

Understanding sharks mating habits is important as it allows for effective management and conservation plans in order to best protect the species.