AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Negaprion brevirostris
Lemon Shark
(Poey, 1868)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, robust shark with a yellowish-brown to olive-grey dorsal color, helping it blend into sandy seafloors. Characterized by two dorsal fins of nearly equal size.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Chondrichthyes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carcharhiniformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Carcharhinidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Negaprion
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Poey, 1868)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Typically inhabits shallow coastal waters, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. Juveniles frequently use mangrove lagoons as nurseries.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mostly nocturnal hunters, they are social and occasionally exhibit group-hunting behaviors.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Social species that often congregate in specific coastal areas.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active coastal predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet includes a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and occasionally even sea birds.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous; females return to their natal nurseries to give birth to litters of 4 to 17 pups.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
150.0 - 340.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
30.00 kg - 250.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.4 - 17
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
12 - 15 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
10 - 12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 20 Years
Females15 - 25 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are generally smaller and more slender than mature females.
Females Multi-lang
Females reach larger maximum lengths and are more robust.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a highly developed sense of electroreception, allowing it to navigate murky, shallow mangrove waters.
Can survive in low-oxygen environments, which is essential for residing in densely vegetated mangrove nurseries.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by habitat destruction, particularly the loss of mangrove forests, and commercial overfishing.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They show high site fidelity, often returning to the same mangrove nursery area year after year to give birth.