Greenland Shark [Somniosus microcephalus]
Description
The Greenland shark, also known as the gurry shark, grey shark, or by the Inuit name Eqalussuaq, is a large shark of the family Somniosidae ('sleeper sharks'), closely related to the Pacific and Southern sleeper sharks. This species is native to the cold, deep waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean. The Greenland shark has a sluggish look, with a thickset, cylindrical body and a small head with small eyes. It is one of the largest species of shark, and adults typically measure from 2.44–4.8 m (8.0–15.7 ft) and weigh from 400–1,000 kg (880–2,200 lb). The coloration can range from pale creamy-gray to blackish-brown. This shark is a carnivore, with a diet that includes fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. They are also known for their incredible longevity, with some individuals estimated to be over 400 years old.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Cartilaginous Fish
Chondrichthyes
|
| Order |
Dogfish Sharks
Squaliformes
|
| Family |
Sleeper Sharks
Somniosidae
|
| Genus |
Greenland Shark
Somniosus
|