Shark Report: Sicklefin Lemon Shark | The Beachside Resident

By: Bloody Bill

Article Category: Shark Report Leave a Comment

Negaprion acutidens, the Sicklefin Lemon Shark

Well, something amazing has happened. My good friend, Cocoa Beach’s own Eric Super, recently married the beautiful Jessica Iliev on June 13 in Waialua, Hawaii. I extend my congratulations to the both of you. It was while attending their wedding that I thought of a shark that resides in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; somewhat fitting, seeing as how Eric’s an Atlantic guy now living in Hawaii. Although these two kinds of lemon sharks are technically different species, the Florida variety is the one that’s very close to my heart. And as Eric is one of my best friends in the world, I’d like to dedicate this article to he and his wife, the Supers of Haleiwa, Hawaii.

Although the sicklefin lemon shark is not found in this region, it appears to be as common in its Pacific habitat as the lemon sharks of our own area. During my time in the Pacific, I was never able to fish for them, but I do have a friend in Tahiti who told me of the fishery in which he was able to see this amazing shark.

Like the lemon shark of our area, this a very aggressive shark and with a pale, yellow-brown coloration. It does not have any characteristic markings such as spots or stripes, but can be distinguished from its Atlantic counterpart by the greater curvature of its pectoral fins, which give them a more sickle-shaped appearance, hence its name. One of the better ways to determine the identity of this species is to look at the dorsal fins as this is one of several species in the area that has both dorsal fins roughly the same size.

Sicklefins are one of the larger species, and are usually found in the 8- to 10-foot range, but can reach lengths of up to 12 to 13 feet. They possess a large, stocky head with a rounded snout that contains thin triangular teeth with wide bases. There is, however, no black smudge on the tip if the nose. Primarily a subtropical shallow water shark, they prefer to inhabit coral reefs, mangroves, shallow bays and rivermouths with muddy or sandy bottoms, but have been known to venture into deeper water during seasonal migrations.

Sicklefin lemon sharks are found in the Indo-Pacific region from coasts around South Africa and Madagascar and north to Vietnam and south to Australia. Sightings have been reported in Palau, Tahiti, and Taiwan. They are usually spotted in the shallow flats areas as well as in shallow coral reefs and beaches. Like most other sharks, they seem to eat nearly anything that is available. Primary prey items include those that are found in shallow water areas (under 300 feet), and include mullet, jacks, stingrays, crabs, sea birds, and other sharks.

This species seems to be considerably more bashful than the lemon sharks found in our area. According to accounts, it is quite reluctant to approach people and bait. Similar to our variety, it will respond quite aggressively when provoked. Due to its large size, special care should be taken when coming in contact with them.

Negaprion acutidens is targeted by commercial fisheries in several countries within its range. Their large fins are highly prized for export, and the flesh is also quite tasty, making this a very marketable and highly desirable species. It is currently considered as “Threatened,” and is close to being classified as “Vulnerable,” with local extinctions occurring in India and Thailand, yet is not considered endangered at this time. Lemon sharks are a large part of our world’s ecosystem, and they deserve our continued respect, admiration and conservation.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit:

www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish

Many thanks to the University of Florida for the use of their extensive databases