Greenland shark

species of shark

AI overview

A Greenland shark is a large shark species that lives in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean. It matters because it is one of the longest-living vertebrates known to science, with some individuals living for over 400 years.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Vulnerable

Greenland shark

Species

PhylumChordata
ClassElasmobranchii
OrderSqualiformes
FamilySomniosidae

Habitatmarine, brackish

The Greenland shark is an inhabitant of the deep North Pole seas. However every once in a while, it is seen in Dutch waters. Greenland shark meat is toxic and can only be consumed when prepared in a special way. The skin of this shark is used to bind books. Greenland sharks are omnivores. Scientists have found the strangest food items it their stomachs, such as reindeer, dogs, cats and even a polar beer. These animals were probably already dead when the shark consumed them.

via IUCN

Wikidata facts

Instance of: taxon
Parent taxon: Somniosus

Article

The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), also known as the grey shark or gurry shark, is a large shark of the family Somniosidae ("sleeper sharks"), closely related to the Pacific and southern sleeper sharks. Inhabiting the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, they are notable for their exceptional longevity, although they are poorly studied because of the depth and remoteness of their natural habitat.

Greenland sharks have the longest lifespan of any known vertebrate, estimated to be between 272 and 510 years. They are among the largest extant shark species, reaching a maximum confirmed length of 6.4 m (21 ft) and weighing more than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). They reach sexual maturity around 150 years of age and their pups are born alive after an estimated gestation period of 8 to 18 years. The shark is a generalist feeder, consuming a variety of available foods, including carrion.