The lemon shark gets its name from its slightly yellow color. However, be aware that colors can be deceiving underwater ! Remember that in scuba diving, water absorbs colors and starting at 50 feet, yellow begins to turn green and disappears completely by 100 feet.
The lemon shark can reach up to 11 feet in length and weigh as much as 405 pounds. One of its distinguishing features is its two dorsal fins which are roughly the same size.
Geographic range
The lemon shark is found in the subtropical coastal waters of the western and eastern Atlantic ocean, as well as the eastern Pacific ocean.
In the Atlantic ocean, its range extends from the eastern coast of the United States to the coast of Brazil, including Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. In the eastern Atlantic ocean, it is primarily found along the western coast of Africa, including Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Additionally, the lemon shark is present in the eastern Pacific ocean along the coasts of California and Mexico as well as in many Polynesian islands.
Habitat
The lemon shark inhabits waters from the surface down to 295 feet along coasts and coral reefs.
Diet
The lemon shark primarily feeds on a variety of fish but also consumes crustaceans and mollusks.
Le requin citron a la particularité de disposer de 2 nageoires dorsales sensiblement de la même taille !
The lemon shark frequents coastal waters and coral reefs.
Reproduction
Lemon sharks are viviparous. When females give birth, the pups, numbering between 4 and 17, are already about 24 inches long.
Did you know ?
The oldest lemon shark ever recorded was 25 years old !
A close-up of a lemon shark revealing its particularly formidable dentition during the photo shoot !
The lemon shark is present in French Polynesia which declared the species protected in April 2006.
The lemon shark is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The lemon shark appears in the IUCN Red List since 2021 within the category Vulnerable !
Within the same family
Blacknose shark (Carcharhinus acronotus)
Blue shark (Prionace glauca)
Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
Dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus)
Oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus)
Sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)
Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus)
Discover also
Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias)
Japanese wobbegong (Orectolobus japonicus)
Leopard catshark (Poroderma pantherinum)
Ornate wobbegong (Orectolobus ornatus)
Pacific angelshark (Squatina californica)
Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni)
Sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus)
The marine species from Caribbean sea
Atlantic trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus)
Blue tang surgeonfish (Acanthurus coeruleus)
Gray angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus)
Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus)
Long-spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum)
Red cushion sea star (Oreaster reticulatus)
Red grouper (Epinephelus morio)
Red hind grouper (Epinephelus guttatus)
Dive centers
'Les Ilets' dive center
Noa dive center
Our latestUpdates
Friday, November 28th 2025
Disney Hollywood Studios, from Star Wars to Toy Story
Dive into the magical world of Disney's Hollywood Studios: Star Wars and Toy Story attractions and shows for the whole family.
Wednesday, November 19th 2025
Tenerife island
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary islands, is a volcanic gem in the Atlantic ocean. It boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, from golden or black sand beaches to the subtropical forests of the Anaga mountains and the majestic Teide volcano, Spain's highest peak. With its picturesque villages, rich local culture and countless outdoor activities, Tenerife is a perfect destination for every type of traveler.
Saturday, November 15th 2025
Batz island
Located in the English Channel off the northern coast of Brittany, just a few kilometers from the town of Roscoff, Batz island is a true little haven of peace where you can enjoy its wild landscapes, unspoiled beaches and historical heritage.
