We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Behavior

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What’s So Incredible About Greenland Sharks, Besides Their Lifespan?

Margaret Lipman
By
Published: Feb 04, 2024
Share

Greenland sharks are widely recognized as the world’s longest-lived vertebrates, with an estimated lifespan of around 250 to 500 years. But that’s not the only incredible thing about them.

Greenland sharks are native to the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, where they are apex predators that feed on a variety of fish, other sharks, squid, and seals, both as scavengers and as active predators. The largest members of the species reach lengths of up to 23 feet (7 m), though many are significantly smaller.

Greenland sharks are almost entirely blind, as their eyeballs are often covered with small parasitic crustaceans called copepods, yet they are still remarkable hunters. Instead of using their eyes, they rely on their keen senses of smell and hearing. After all, Greenland sharks spend nearly all of their time hunting in near-darkness. They prefer ocean environments with cold water temperatures and can be found at depths of up to 4,900 feet (1,500 m).

Amazingly, the top speed of a Greenland shark is just 1.6 miles per hour (2.6 km/hr), leaving scientists wondering how they catch seals, which are much faster swimmers. An ambush method has been hypothesized.

An ocean enigma that's likely to outlive you:

  • A landmark study of 28 female Greenland sharks in 2016 finally shed light on the species’ longevity, though their very slow growth rates (less than one centimeter per year) had always suggested a long lifespan. Radiocarbon dating was used to estimate the age of Greenland sharks based on the protein that builds up on the lenses of their eyes. Remarkably, scientists also relied on increased levels of carbon-14 due to 1950s nuclear testing to accurately determine the age of the sharks.

  • It has been estimated that female Greenland sharks don’t reach sexual maturity until well into their second century, possibly around 150 years old. Their gestation period is thought to be somewhere between 8 and 18 years. Even so, due to their unparalleled lifespan, they may ultimately give birth to hundreds of “pups.”

  • Dried and fermented Greenland shark meat, known as kæstur hákarl, is a delicacy in Iceland. However, the fresh flesh of the shark is toxic due to its high content of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a nitrogenous compound that helps the shark stay buoyant and endure the deep-water pressure.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Margaret Lipman
By Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range of topics. Her articles cover essential areas such as finance, parenting, health and wellness, nutrition, educational strategies. Margaret's writing is guided by her passion for enriching the lives of her readers through practical advice and well-researched information.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Margaret Lipman
Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://direct.wisegeek.com/whats-so-incredible-about-greenland-sharks-besides-their-lifespan.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.