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Blue Sharks (Prionace glauca), family Carcharhinidae, order Carcharhiniformes, North Atlantic Ocean

photograph by David Miller

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When Life Gives You Lemon Sharks

The lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris) is a species of shark found in warm subtropical waters, mangroves, and coral reefs along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North, Central, and South America, as well as parts of the west African coast. On the Pacific side its range extends from the Gulf of California to Ecuador, and on the Atlantic side they can range from the northern United States all the way to Argentina; they also reside prolifically in the Caribbean sea. Along the African coast they range from Mauritania to Namibia.

Lemon sharks are named for their distinctive yellow coloring; this serves as excellent camouflage against the sand as it searches for prey. Conversely, their light underbellies disguises them against the bright sunlight when viewed from below. Adults can range from 2.4 to 3.1 m (7.9 to 10.2 ft) in length, and weigh up to 90 kg (200 lb); females are slightly larger than males.

Like all sharks, N, brevirostris is carnivorous. They hunt at night, and feed on a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, most notably catfish, porcupine fish, cowfish, guitarfish, rays, crabs and crayfish; they may also opportunistically feed on sea birds and smaller sharks. Adults have no predators, but juvenile lemon sharks may fall prey to larger sharks including those of their own species.

Lemon sharks are loosely social, congregating in groups, called 'shivers' of up to 20 individuals of the same size. During the breeding season, in the spring and summer, these groups travel to special mating grounds where they may gather in the hundreds. Females mate with several males. 12 months later the mothers travel to shallower nursery waters in mangroves or estuaries and give live birth to up to 19 pups. These pups remain in the nursery for about 6 years, after which they disperse. Young reach sexual maturity at 12-15 years old, and adults may live up to 29 years in the wild.

Conservation status: The lemon shark is considered Vulnerable by the IUCN. Its main threat is from overfishing, as the species is prised for its meat, fins, and skin. They are also frequently targeted as a potential threat to humans, despite being relatively non-aggressive.

Photos

Albert Kok

Ken Bondy

Serge Melesan