Fin's Fish Guide
The Sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 380 cm.
Asia: American Samoa, Australia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and others
Description
The sicklefin lemon shark is a large requiem shark (Carcharhinidae) from shallow coastal and reef waters of the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 3.8 metres and has a robust, yellow-brown body with conspicuously sickle-shaped fins. As a slow but powerful bottom predator it hunts fish and rays in lagoons and around reefs. Due to its size and teeth it can be dangerous when disturbed; through habitat loss and fishing the species is endangered.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sicklefin lemon shark?
The Sicklefin lemon shark has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Sicklefin lemon shark live?
The Sicklefin lemon shark lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: American Samoa, Australia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and others
How big does the Sicklefin lemon shark get?
The Sicklefin lemon shark grows to a maximum of about 380 cm.
Is the Sicklefin lemon shark dangerous to humans?
The Sicklefin lemon shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Keep your distance and do not handle the animal. For a bite: rinse the wound with clean water, apply firm pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Always have a large or deep bite assessed medically and check tetanus status.
Is the Sicklefin lemon shark edible?
Yes, the Sicklefin lemon shark is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Negaprion
More from the family Carcharhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Sicklefin lemon shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sicklefin lemon shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.