The Oldest Shark Ever: 512 Year Old Shark Revealed

Did you know that scientists have recently discovered a shark species that easily lives to be hundreds of years old? 

In fact, the oldest shark of this species is estimated to be about 512 years old! Check out some footage of it by clicking HERE now. 

For the vidoe version of this post click HERE

Meet The Greenland Shark

The "Greenland Shark" species has recently shocked scientists, and they're deemed some of the world's most fascinating creatures. 

The reason for this claim is that these sharks regularly live to be several centuries years old. In addition to a 512 year old shark, several others living to be 200-300 years old were discovered as well. 

Scientists can determine a creature's age by checking its bone structure, growth rate, as well as radiation levels (this is a bit more complex so well skip this). 

One of the Greenland Sharks has lived to be roughly 512 years old. This means that the shark was born just around the tmie Columbus first sailed to North America. 

About The Greenland Shark

Greenland sharks are native to the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans, and can grow to be 24 feet (7 meters). They weigh about 2,645 pounds of 1,200 kilograms. 

They'er actually one of the slowest moving fish in the world. They cruise at about 1 foot per second or .3 meters a second, and can't go much faster than that. 

They are apex predators, however this baffles scientists because how they hunt isn't well known. These creatures move so slow that all other fish, seals, etc. would be able to easily escape them. 

How Do They Grow To Be So Old?

Scientists have a few ideas for why they think these sharks grow to be so old. 

First, the cold water is thought ot prevent aging. Cold water therapy is actually used (ie. cold plunge) on humans and is highly effective. 

Second, they have an extremely slow metabolism. They are slow creatures, both in their movement and growth- this means that they also take a long time to pass away. 

For exapmle, they only grow a couple of inches per year. 

In fact, it takes them a whole 150 years to reach sexual maturity. That would be the human equivalent of waiting 150 years just to reach age 16. 

By the time they're sexually mature, many generations of humans have already came and gone...

Greenland Shark Diet & Hunting

The Greenland Shark is the apex predator which means no one else hunts the Greenland Shark (with the exception of humans, however hunting these creatures is illegal). 

Hunting from the Greenland Shark has never yet been observed. They swim so slow that scientists are confused as to how they actually hunt. 

Some people think that they are more like scavengers, eating from the dead remains of animals that have passed away. 

Another hypothesis is that they work together to surprise sleeping seals. This is the only possible way they could hunt seals because otherwise they are too slow to catch a seal. 

All this being said, all kind sof fish, polar bears, seals, and even a whole reindeer have been found in their stomachs. They certainly eat a lot of meat, but how they exactly do it is not yet understood. 

Greenland Shark Fun Facts 

In most creatures the males are larger than the females. The greenland shark is opposite; females are larger than males. 

Greenland Shark flesh is toxic because it has high concentrations of a chemical known as trimethylamine oxide (TMAO). 

Dogs that have been observed eating the fleshy remains of these sharks enter a state like extreme drunkedness. Many have been observed completely falling over due to the effect of eating this shark's flesh.

The only known country that feasts on this shark is Iceland. They use a special process to get rid of the toxins, and it's actually considered a delicacy there. 

 

We hope you enjoyed this post, have a great day! 

-Wildlife x Team International 

Submit a Comment

* Required Field
Offering
  • Pest X Team Logo
  • Junk X Team Logo
  • X Team Services Logo
  • X Team Bird Control Logo
  • Gutter X Team Logo
  • Mosquito X Team Logo
As Featured on These Networks & Affiliates
  • Apple News Logo
  • Fox Logo
Affiliations:
  • Elite Service Logo
  • National Pest Management Association Logo
  • NWCOA Logo
  • If you have raccoons in your attic, garage, or other areas of your home, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today! Wildlife X Team are experts in raccoon removal and exclusion services.
  • Squirrel problems are rampant nationally. Squirrels can cause extensive damage in and around homes, including soiling floors and walls. Squirrels don't stand a chance against Wildlife X Team®'s trained professional staff.
  • Rodent problems are common for homeowners, but Wildlife X Team® can help you prevent rodents from getting in your walls or your attic. Keep rodents out of your home by calling today!
  • Removing and relocating bats is best left to professionals, as bats will bite and scratch if threatened. If you see signs of bats on your property or want to know how to get rid of bats from your attic and chimney, please call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007.
  • Although armadillos have no reason to get into houses, there is a lot of damage armadillos can cause. Their diet consists mostly of grubs and insects, but when they burrow, it can affect the very structure of buildings. Call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Whether you are facing a snake infestation on your property or just notice a single snake, call (817) 431-3007 at Wildlife X Team® today. Most snakes are harmless, some are venomous, and we can remove all kinds of snakes safely and quickly.
  • Birds can add a lot of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, but sometimes they cause trouble. If you're having an issue with problem birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, give Wildlife X Team® a call at (817) 431-3007.
  • At Wildlife X Team®, we offer worry-free opossum removal and trapping. We can also repair any opossum damage.
  • Infamous for their defense mechanism, skunks are smelly creatures. This unique critter releases a scent to ward off predators and stay safe, and it smells offensive and can be dangerous.
  • Coyotes, a relative of the canine, are known for terrorizing livestock, and even household pets. Coyotes are often active at night, and homeowners often report the howling cries of these medium-sized creatures.
  • Badgers are notorious for having a bite that rivals their bark — despite their less-than-formidable size! Badgers have been known to fight animals as large as a bear!
  • Beaver damage is primarily to landscapes like riverbeds and lakesides. If you discover beaver damage in your property, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 to help relocate beavers and repair any damages caused by these flat-tailed critters.
  • Nocturnal creatures, bobcats will take down any prey necessary, especially livestock. Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
  • Chipmunks can be annoying and clever creatures, but they're no match for Wildlife X Team®. We offer chipmunk removal, and chipmunk damage repair services, plus we know how to keep chipmunks from coming back!
  • Fox landscape damage and feeding behaviors can affect homeowners' safety, so it's important to not approach a fox if you see one in the wild or on your property. Wildlife X Team® offers fox removal, fox trapping, and fox prevention. Call today!
  • Lizards, similar in appearance to snakes, can be frightening if you spot one in the wild or in your home, and although they don't typically attack residents, it's still good to not approach lizards.
  • Mole damage is most commonly found on landscapes, and sometimes humans don't even come into contact with them, but they definitely experience mole damage.
  • If you have discovered scorpion(s) in your garden or on your property, call us today for scorpion removal services.
  • Voles are not often spotted by humans, but vole damage is visible. For vole trapping, vole removal, and vole damage repair services, call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Infestations of bugs are common, so if you are facing an insect infestation, don't panic—we can help kill insects and get rid of them inside and outside your home.
  • Wild hog trapping and wild hog prevention are the most effective means of wild hog removal. Due to the aggressive nature of wild hogs, we do not recommend DIY wild hog trapping.
  • Termite infestations are common inside homes and on properties, so if you are dealing with insects, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today to get rid of your termite problem fast and effectively!
  • Bee and wasp infestations are common, so if you are facing a stinging insect infestation, don't panic — we can help get rid of them inside and outside your home.
About
Wildlife X Team is rapidly becoming the leader in the nuisance wildlife control industry. We lead the way in the development of technology, education, products and services in Wildlife Management.
Read More About Us
100% Financing
SuperMoney offers 100% financing up to $100,000 and 30 second approvals. You'll fill out one easy form and get competing pre-approved loan offers back in real time.
Apply Now
Wildlife X Team offers an exclusive Wildlife Inspection Report® which includes commonly overlooked areas where wildlife can enter and infest your home.
Project: Control or Eliminate Small Animals
Excellent company. When we heard sounds in the attic, they had one of their people here the same day. After giving us a treatment recommendation, he scheduled the service tech for the next day. Service technician arrived right on schedule and did a great job. Great service.
Karen P., Grapevine, TX