Species learning profile
Greenland shark
Somniosus microcephalus
Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is a saltwater fish associated with deep sea habitat in Arctic. Chemical dating suggests some individuals may live for centuries.
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At a glance
- Eau
- Eau salée
- Habitat
- Mer profonde
- Longueur maximale
- 640 cm
- Répartition
- Arctic
- Famille
- Somniosidae
- Ordre
- Squaliformes
Observe
How to identify Greenland shark
- Chemical dating suggests some individuals may live for centuries.
- Guide context: deep sea habitat in Arctic.
- Reported maximum length: 640 cm — a genuinely giant fish. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with deep sea habitat across Arctic. Food is scarce and sunlight is absent or faint, favoring energy-saving movement and specialized senses.
Behavior
Moves slowly through cold deep water
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Fish, seals, and carrion.
Ecological role
A long-lived predator and scavenger in Arctic seas.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Greenland shark peut atteindre environ 640 cm et vit souvent près de Mer profonde.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Deep-sea animals often grow slowly, and recovery can be difficult after habitat disturbance or heavy fishing.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Greenland shark in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections