Nature & Environment

Greenland sharks live for at least 272 years

By T.K. Randall
August 13, 2016 ·  21 comments

Greenland sharks can live to be positively ancient. Image Credit: NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program One of the world's largest extant shark species, the Greenland shark, which as its name suggests can be found in the waters of the North Atlantic, recently earned itself a place in the record books after researchers discovered that it is actually one of the world's longest-lived animals.

According to the study, these unassuming ocean predators commonly live for hundreds of years and enjoy lifespans which far exceed that of any other known vertebrate.

"We report the oldest shark to be at least 272 years (old)," said Julius Nielsen, a doctoral student at the University of Copenhagen.

"In more technical terms, it is with 95% certainty between 272 and 512 years old."

Source: Seeker.com | Comments (21)

Tags: Greenland, Shark