Facts about Greenland Shark

1. 09

   Toxic flesh of the Greenland shark must be fermented for months before it is safe to eat, forming the Icelandic delicacy known as hákarl.

   Greenland SharkJun 8sharetoxicityculturebiology
2. 08

   Specimens of Somniosus microcephalus collected from Greenland waters show brain sizes proportionally smaller than most fish species, comprising only 0.03 percent of their total body weight.

   Greenland SharkMay 14shareanatomybiologymeasurement
3. 07

   Females of this species do not begin reproducing until they reach approximately 150 years old, making Greenland sharks among the slowest-maturing animals on Earth.

   Greenland SharkMay 14sharereproductionbiologylifespan
4. 06

   Greenland shark stomach contents have revealed they consume seals, suggesting they actively hunt despite their minimal visual capability and glacial movement speeds.

   Greenland SharkMay 14sharedietpredationbehavior
5. 05

   The Arctic waters where Greenland sharks dwell rarely exceed 2 degrees Celsius, creating an environment that supports their extraordinarily slow metabolism and extended lifespan.

   Greenland SharkMay 14sharehabitattemperaturephysiology
6. 04

   At temperatures near freezing, Greenland sharks metabolize food so slowly their muscle tissue contains toxic levels of urea and trimethylamine oxide.

   Greenland SharkMay 14sharebiologychemistryadaptation
7. 03

   Radiocarbon dating of a Greenland shark specimen revealed it lived for approximately 400 years, making it the longest-lived vertebrate animal known to science.

   Greenland SharkMay 14sharelongevitybiologymeasurement
8. 02

   Greenland sharks possess eyes infected with parasites that likely render them nearly blind throughout their entire lives.

   Greenland SharkMay 14sharebiologyparasitismsensory
9. 01

   Reaching lengths of 21 feet, Greenland sharks are among the slowest-growing vertebrates, requiring approximately 150 years to reach sexual maturity.

   Greenland SharkMay 14sharebiologymeasurementlongevity