Lemon Shark

Lemon Shark

Negaprion brevirostris

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: First and second dorsal fins triangular, about equal in size. Yellowish-green, brown, or olive-gray color above, yellowish below. Has a blunt snout that is shorter than the width of the mouth and it has no interdorsal ridge.

Size: Can get up to about 10½ feet

Age at Maturity: Around 6-7 years

Range: New Jersey to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Uncommon north of Cape Hatteras

Habitat: Primarily coastal; common around coral keys, docks, bays, and estuaries; young frequent mangroves and grass flats.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Live or dead natural baits as well as artificials. Spinning, baitcasting, as well as fly outfits can all be used.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, casting, drifting

Food Value: Good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat, which ever is less (This is a composite regulation grouping all sharks , except Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish, into this 1 per angler or boat limit. This does not include the sharks prohibited from harvest. If you are unsure of the species and whether you can keep it, release it) For more information see the federal regulations.

Minimum size: 54″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Marine Fishes of Georgia Posters

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