The Greenland shark is a huge, slow-moving shark of the icy North Atlantic and Arctic. Its incredibly slow growth and long life make it one of the most remarkable animals on Earth, and one of the most mysterious.
Interesting facts
- Its age was estimated by radiocarbon dating of proteins in the eye lens.
- It grows only about 1 cm a year and may not breed until it is about 150 years old.
- It is one of the slowest-swimming fish ever measured.
- Many Greenland sharks have parasitic copepods attached to their eyes.
- Its flesh is toxic when fresh, but in Iceland it is fermented and dried to make a dish called hákarl.
- It has been recorded at depths of over 2,000 metres.
Behaviour
Greenland sharks move slowly through cold, dark water, scavenging and possibly ambushing sleeping seals. Little is known about their behaviour because they live in deep, remote waters.
Breeding and young
Females give birth to live young. Very little is known about their reproduction, but they are thought to mature extremely late.
Threats and conservation
Accidental capture in fishing gear is the main threat. Because they grow and breed so slowly, even small losses can affect populations for centuries.
Where to see it
- Almost never seen by visitors
- Occasionally seen by divers in the St. Lawrence estuary, Canada
- Arctic Canada and Greenland (research expeditions)
- Museum and aquarium displays about deep-sea life
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
