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Greenland shark

Somniosus microcephalus

  • Arctic Ocean
  • North Atlantic
Greenland shark
Depth
0-2.2m
Night active
NightActive
Endangered
Endangered
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The Greenland shark is one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth and can live over 250 years. It grows extremely slowly, only a few centimeters per year. It often carries parasitic copepods on its eyes.

Habitat

Open SeaOpen Sea

Special Features

The Greenland shark is one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth and can live over 250 years. It grows extremely slowly, only a few centimeters per year. It often carries parasitic copepods on its eyes. Its flesh is toxic when raw due to high amounts of urea and trimethylamine oxide.

greenland_shark-divedict_diving_sharks_diving_conservation-lexicon-06

Appearance

Large, massive body with dark gray-brown coloring. Small eyes, short rounded snout.

Natural Enemies

Few natural enemies.

Dangerous/Toxic

Not known to be dangerous.

Pro Tips

Greenland sharks swim very slowly but are effective scavengers. They feed on fish, seals, and carrion. They probably reach sexual maturity only after over 100 years. Due to their extreme longevity, they are sensitive to disturbances.

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