Shark
Sicklefin lemon shark
Negaprion acutidens
A large, yellow-brown coastal shark with a blunt snout and two similarly sized dorsal fins, slow-moving and often seen resting on the bottom. In the Tuamotus it holds up better than across much of its range; globally the IUCN lists it as Endangered after estimated declines of 50-79% over three generations. At Fakarava it is a regular in and around the South Pass, including Shark's Hole.
- Max size
- Up to ~3.4m, commonly 2.5-3m
- Habitat
- Reef flats, sandy channels and atoll passes
Best places to dive with Sicklefin lemon shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Seen year-round around the South Pass and its shelter caves, generally in smaller numbers than the grey reef sharks. Larger and slower, often resting near the bottom. Reliable at the South Pass but not present on every dive.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- Negaprion acutidens (Sharptooth Lemon Shark) — IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Sicklefin lemon shark — Wikipedia
- Discover a Wall of Sharks in Fakarava — Tahiti Tourisme
Note on the data: Also called sharptooth lemon shark in the IUCN assessment.