Greenland shark
The Greenland shark (*Somniosus microcephalus*) is a large shark of the family Somniosidae that lives in cold Arctic and North Atlantic waters.
The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is a large shark of the family Somniosidae that lives in cold Arctic and North Atlantic waters. It is notable for its exceptionally long lifespan, with estimates placing it among the longest-lived vertebrates known. It is a cartilaginous fish and one of the largest sharks in the Arctic.
Description
The Greenland shark is a large sleeper shark with a stocky body and very slow growth. Sources describe it as one of the biggest sharks in the Arctic and second only to the great white among carnivorous sharks.
Habitat and range
It lives in cold waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, including areas near Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Canada. Reports place it from shallow cold waters to deep offshore zones. Its depth range is commonly deep water, with sources reporting roughly 200–2,600 m.
Life history and longevity
This species is best known for extraordinary longevity. Multiple sources report estimates of several centuries, with commonly cited figures ranging from about 272 to 512 years.
Diet and behaviour
The Greenland shark is slow-moving and often described as a scavenger or opportunistic predator. Reported prey includes fish, squid, seals, and other marine animals, though direct observations of feeding are limited.
Conservation
Some sources report a global Vulnerable status, while Canadian references note a COSEWIC designation of species of concern. This reflects concern about the species’ slow life history and vulnerability to fishing impacts.
Key facts
- It is a cartilaginous fish and one of the largest sharks in the Arctic.
- It is widely cited as the longest-lived vertebrate, with lifespan estimates often around 272–512 years.
- Its range includes Arctic waters, the North Atlantic, and waters around Canada, including the St. Lawrence area.
- It is a slow-moving deep-water shark and is often described as benthic or near-benthic.
- Some sources describe it as a scavenger and opportunistic predator that eats a wide variety of prey.
The Greenland shark is relevant to Canadian readers because its range includes Canadian Arctic and Atlantic waters, and Canadian conservation assessments have identified it as a species of concern.[7][9]
Frequently asked questions
What is the Greenland shark?
Why is it famous?
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Is it found in Canada?
References
- French Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Requin_du_GroenlandSupports: Species name, family, and lifespan estimate range.
- Le Figaro — https://www.lefigaro.fr/animaux/l-incroyable-requin-du-groenland-une-esperance-de-vie-record-qui-atteint-les-400-ans-20260217Supports: North Atlantic and Arctic range; long lifespan estimates.
- Médiathèque de la Mer — https://www.mediathequedelamer.com/requin-groenlandSupports: Arctic habitat, size, diet, and vulnerability mention.
- DORIS / FFESSM — https://doris.ffessm.fr/Especes/Somniosus-microcephalus-Requin-du-Groenland-865Supports: Distribution including Arctic, Europe, and eastern North America.
- GEERG — https://geerg.ca/requin-groenland/Supports: Size, range including Canada, longevity, and COSEWIC species-at-risk note.
- Le Monde — https://www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2024/08/13/ce-requin-dont-le-c-ur-ne-vieillit-pas-ou-si-peu_6278995_1650684.htmlSupports: Long-lived vertebrate status and centuries-scale lifespan estimates.