Genetic and taxonomic data corroborate the existence of lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris (Carchariniformes: Carcharhinidae) (Poey, 1868) in Coiba National Park, Panama

Researchers have confirmed the presence of lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) in Coiba National Park, Panama, marking the first documented occurrence of this species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific marine corridor. Genetic analysis of six young-of-the-year individuals collected from Boca Grande estuary revealed a 99% similarity with known lemon shark sequences, corroborating morphological identification. This discovery expands the known distribution of the species and provides foundational genetic data for Coiba National Park, with sequences deposited in GenBank for future comparative studies. The findings underscore the importance of Boca Grande estuary as a critical nursery area and offer insights for enhanced management strategies, including potential shark sanctuary designation.

Díaz-Ferguson, E., Justo-Riverol, S., & Barreiros, J. P. (2026). Genetic and taxonomic data corroborate the existence of lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris (Carchariniformes: Carcharhinidae) (Poey, 1868) in Coiba National Park, Panama. Marine Biodiversity, 56(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12526-026-01663-z