Lemon shark

The lemon shark is a coastal shark species known for its yellowish-brown coloration and two similarly sized dorsal fins.

The lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris) is a coastal shark species recognized by its yellowish-brown colouration and two similarly sized dorsal fins. It inhabits warm inshore waters of the Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans, including mangroves, coral reefs, and estuaries. The species is generally considered non-aggressive toward humans and is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Description

The lemon shark is a medium-to-large shark with a stocky body, broad snout, yellowish-brown upper coloration, and pale underside. It is best known for its two similarly sized dorsal fins and its association with shallow coastal environments.

Habitat and range

Lemon sharks live in warm inshore waters, including mangroves, coral reefs, river mouths, and sandy shallows. Their range includes the western Atlantic from New Jersey to southern Brazil, parts of the eastern Atlantic off West Africa, and the eastern Pacific from Baja California to Ecuador.

Diet and behaviour

This species is an opportunistic predator that feeds mainly on fish and invertebrates. It is often described as social and is not generally considered a significant threat to humans.

Reproduction and life cycle

Lemon sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Litters are typically small to moderate in size, and the species can live for several decades.

Conservation

The IUCN lists the lemon shark as Vulnerable. Main concerns include overfishing and habitat loss, especially because the species spends much of its life in coastal areas that overlap with human activity.