Greenland Shark: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Shark Week · day 3 of 7

Five facts

1. Greenland sharks are estimated to live between 272 and 510 years, the longest lifespan of any known vertebrate.
2. Greenland sharks only become adults at around 150 years old, and a pregnancy may last an estimated 8 to 18 years.
3. A crustacean often clings to the shark's eyes. Even so, its lateral line and sharp sense of smell help it find prey.
4. A Greenland shark swims at just 0.34 m per second on average. Seals are much faster, so sharks are thought to ambush sleeping ones.
5. Untreated Greenland shark meat is toxic to mammals, but in Iceland a cured version, kæstur hákarl, is a strong-smelling delicacy.

The quiz

1. How long are Greenland sharks estimated to live?

• Between 27 and 51 years
• Between 72 and 110 years
• Between 2,720 and 5,100 years
• Between 272 and 510 years (correct)

They are estimated to live between 272 and 510 years.

2. At about what age do Greenland sharks reach maturity?

• Around 150 years (correct)
• Around 5 years
• Around 15 years
• Around 50 years

They reach maturity around 150 years of age.

3. What helps a Greenland shark find prey despite its eyes?

• Its glowing skin
• Its lateral line and sense of smell (correct)
• Its loud clicks
• Its long whiskers

Its lateral line and sharp sense of smell help it locate prey.

4. How fast does a Greenland shark swim on average?

• 0.04 m per second
• 3.4 m per second
• 0.34 m per second (correct)
• 34 m per second

On average it swims only 0.34 m each second.

5. Where is treated Greenland shark meat eaten as a delicacy?

• Japan
• Norway
• Canada
• Iceland (correct)

A cured version, kæstur hákarl, is eaten in Iceland.

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