Somniosus microcephalus; gurry shark; grey shark; Greenland shark

Introduction

• noted for their exceptional longevity
• longest lifespan of any known vertebrate, ~250-500 years

Epidemiology

• inhabits the North Atlantic & Arctic Oceans
• natural habitat is remote & deep
• size: 2.4-7 meters long, 400-1,400 kg
• sexual maturity at ~150 years of age
• pups are born alive after an estimated gestation period of 8 to-18 years.
• consumes a variety of available foods

Notes

• Greenland shark meat is toxic to mammals due to high levels of trimethylamine N-oxide

More general terms

• Elasmobranchii