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World Diving Guide
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Annual Lemon Shark Aggregation at Jupiter Florida Reef from
November to February
The Annual Lemon Sharks congregation begins in November on a popular reef in
just 80 feet of water about 3 miles outside of the Jupiter Inlet. This Annual
Lemon Shark aggregation has become an extraordinary event in the small Atlantic
coastal Town of Jupiter, Florida that is best known for its historical
lighthouse and affluent South Florida lifestyle. These lemon sharks, some as
large as 12 feet, lay nearly motionless on the sandy bottom. The lemon sharks
have been closely observed over the past 4 years. Over that time, local dive
operators like SCUBA Works & Temptation Excursions have determined that the
lemon sharks show up around the end of November and stay until near the end of
February.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The lemon shark's back is deep yellow (giving it its name); its belly is
off-white. It is used extensively in scientific research since it does well in
captivity. It is requiem shark that is fairly common along the southeast coast
of the USA.
SIZE
Lemon sharks average 8-10 feet (2.45-3.1 m) long. The largest recorded catch was
12 feet long.
DIET AND FEEDING HABITS
It eats mostly fish (including other sharks), but will also eats mollusks and
crustaceans.
LEMON SHARK ATTACKS
Lemon sharks have been known to attack people.
HABITAT
It lives near the surface and at moderate depths, frequenting bays, docks, and
river mouths.
DISTRIBUTION
The lemon shark is found in the Pacific off Latin and South America, in the
Atlantic off the coasts of North & South America and West Africa, and in the
Gulf of Mexico.
REPRODUCTION
Litters consist of about 36 young, which are about 18 inches long at birth.
For the past four years, the Lemon Sharks have congregated on the sandy bottom
in 80 feet of water on a popular reef just 3 miles out of the Jupiter Inlet.
Scientists believe female lemon sharks chose this Jupiter Reef because currents
carry their producing pheromones great distances to attract roaming males.
Scientists also believe that males and females go into the nearby Indian River
and other protected inshore areas to mate and wait for pregnant females to pup.
If anyone wishes to see the Jupiter Lemon Shark Aggregation, please contact
SCUBA Works at 561-575-DIVE (3483).
(Reference -
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/sharks/species/Lemonshark.shtml)
SCUBA Works
351 South US Highway One, Suite 103
Jupiter, Florida 33477
Telephone: 561-575-DIVE (3483)
Fax: 561-575-4321
Toll-Free: 800-908-DIVE (3483)
www.SCUBA-Works.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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