Mega tip! *2023 re-issue of these essential pieces* Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is a shark species living in Arctic and North Atlantic. It can grow up to 5.5m long and weigh more than 1100 kg. Greenland shark is a longest living vertebrate on earth. The oldest sharks are determinated to be 272-512 years old. Greenland shark females become sexually mature after the age of 130 years.
The depth preferencies of Greenland sharks vary between regions. They prefer cold waters between 0-4 degrC at depths below 300m.
They are recorded as deep as 2992m. In some districts they can be found also near the sea surface.
The flesh of the Greenland shark is toxic due the high concentrations of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO). They have normally poor vision with parasites hanging from their eyes.