Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Somniosus microcephalus
- Common name
- Greenland Shark
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Somniosidae
- Genus
- Somniosus
- Size
- 200–700 cm
- Depth
- 150–2000 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water, sandy-bottom
- Behaviours
- pelagic, slow-mover
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean
Description
Polar giant (200-700 cm) dark brown massive, slowest shark. Deep polar habitat (150-2000 m) North Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Extremely low metabolism, lifespan 400+ years. Lethargic predator of fish, squid, seal. Conservation: vulnerable. Diving: impossible, extreme depths and latitudes.
Photo of Greenland Shark
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Greenland Shark?
- Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus) reaches 200–700 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Greenland Shark?
- Greenland Shark is found between 150–2000 m deep.
- Is the Greenland Shark dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Greenland Shark?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Greenland Shark?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Haemulon flavolineatum - French grunt
- Haemulon sciurus - Bluestriped grunt
- Haemulon plumierii - White grunt
- Haemulon parra - Sailor's choice
- Carcharhinus melanopterus - Blacktip reef shark
- Hippocampus guttulatus - Long-snouted seahorse
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105919)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2421162)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia