Lemon Shark
|
Scientific
Name |
Negaprion
brevirostris |
| |
| Other
Names |
N/A |
| |
| World
Record |
140lbs |
| |
Description
Lemons are a yellowish Brown
above to a very pale yellow (almost
white) below with a blunt snout. This
shark has 2 almost identical dorsal
fins. Like other sharks, lemon sharks
have no bones in their bodies. Instead,
their skeletons are made from cartilage,
the same tough but flexible material
that forms the tip of your nose.
Habitat
The lemon shark is commonly
found in subtropical shallow water
to depths of 300 feet and inhabits
coral reefs, mangroves, enclosed bays,
sounds and river mouths. However,
this species will not penetrate deep
into freshwater systems. Lemon sharks
can be found in oceanic water during
migration but tend to stay along the
continental and insular shelves. The
lemon shark is also known to form
loose aggregations based on size and
sex and have been seen congregating
near docks and fishing piers during
the night, returning to deep water
during the day.
Feeding Habits
The lemon shark is commonly
found over sandy or muddy bottoms
and eats a diet consisting mainly
of bony fish and crustaceans. Catfish,
mullet, jacks, croakers, porcupine
fish, cowfish, guitarfish, stingrays,
eagle rays, crabs and crayfish make
up the majority of their diet. In
addition, this species will eat sea
birds and smaller sharks. Lemon sharks
will eat until full with the rate
of digestion is dependent on the amount
of food consumed at a single time.
Age and Growth
Litters consist of over 30
and almost 18 inches in length at
birth.
Lemon sharks are one of the larger
species of sharks, commonly obtaining
lengths of 240 to 300 cm and have
a growth rate of 54 cm pr year. The
maximum length that can be reached
by this species is between 318-343
cm. Females and males reach sexual
maturity around 6-7 years of age and
at 240 cm and 224 cm respectively.
Pups are 60-65 cm at birth.
Tackle and Methods
You can fish for lemons sharks
with Flies and Lures cast right in
front of them. These sharks are very
strong and will give an awesome fight.
They will also take live and dead
baits intended for other fish.
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