Lemon Shark

Overview

The Lemon Shark is a robust, requiem shark recognized by its brownish-yellow coloration, which provides excellent camouflage against sandy or muddy bottoms. This species is frequently found in shallow coastal waters, including mangroves, coral reefs, and enclosed bays, where it often returns to specific nursery sites to breed.

Distribution & habitat

Lemon sharks inhabit the Western Atlantic from New Jersey to southern Brazil, as well as parts of the Eastern Pacific and the coast of West Africa. They are highly adaptable, frequenting continental and insular shelves, saline creeks, and river mouths, and they may occasionally enter brackish or fresh water. While typically found in shallow areas, they are also known to move into the open ocean for migration.

Appearance

This shark has a fusiform body with a distinctively large second dorsal fin that is nearly the same size as the first. Its skin is brownish with yellow overtones, lacking any conspicuous markings.

Biology & behavior

Lemon sharks are known for their social nature, often living in groups which may provide benefits such as enhanced communication and protection. They are capable of resting motionless on the sea floor and use electroreceptors to locate prey, particularly when feeding at night.

Feeding

Their diet consists primarily of fish, though they also consume crustaceans and mollusks.

Reproduction

This species is viviparous, with females giving birth to litters of 4 to 17 pups after a gestation period of 10 to 12 months. They follow a biennial reproductive cycle, and mating often involves the male biting the female's pectoral fin.