Introduction
The Lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris) is a well-known species from the Carcharhinidae family, the largest family of sharks.
Conservation Status
| Status | Conservation Efforts |
|---|---|
| Near Threatened | Protected in Florida and Bahamas waters |
Statistics
| Length (Average, Range) | Weight (Average, Range) | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 m, 0.6-4 m | 90 kg, 20-200 kg | 27 years |
Distribution
This species of shark is commonly found along the coastlines of several regions and countries, including the Atlantic coast of North and South America, the Pacific coast of Central America, and around the islands of the Caribbean. The sharks are known to migrate to warmer waters during the winter months.
Habitats
| Water Type | Depth Range | Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|
| Salty and Brackish | 0-92 m | 21-31°C |
When and Where to See
Lemon sharks are typically seen during the summer months and particularly during dusk and dawn.>
Best Fishing Locations
- Gulf of Mexico
- Florida coast
- Bahamas
- Brazillian coast
- Guyana
People report the most sightings of lemon sharks near shorelines and in shallow water. Look for them around reef formations as well as sandy flats.
How to Catch
The best time to catch a lemon shark is during their peak feeding hours, which typically occur around sunrise and sunset. Fishermen often use large, oily fish as bait, but lures can also be effective. Chumming the water is also a popular strategy to attract these sharks.
Identification Guide
Lemon sharks stand out because of their sharp, broad head and their yellow-brown to olive-gray colour. They also have a white belly, two dorsal fins of similar size, and a long, blunt snout
Culinary Information
While not as popular as other seafood, lemon shark meat can be used in various recipes. It has a mild, sweet flavour similar to scallops. It needs to be soaked in milk for a few hours before cooking to remove any potentially strong flavours.
Additional Information
Lemon sharks primarily feed on a variety of fish and crustaceans. Despite their size, they pose little threat to humans. Female lemon sharks have a two-year reproductive cycle and give birth to live young.
References and Further Reading
For more information on Lemon Sharks, there are several great resources available:
- NOAA Fisheries
- Florida Museum
- Shark Trust