A photo of the Greenland shark, known as the longest-living animal on Earth, has resurfaced on social media this week. The remarkable specimen was spotted near Belize, in the Caribbean, in 2022 and is estimated to be around 518 years old, although the average lifespan of this species is 400 years.

These sharks live in extremely cold and deep waters, making them difficult to study compared to other shark species. Its scientific name, Somniosus microcephalus, translates to “sleepy small-headed,” reflecting one of its key characteristics: slow movements.
In 2022, National Geographic reported that Devanshi Kasana, a research assistant at Florida International University, was working with local fishermen in Belize, looking for tiger sharks to tag for a research project. During the expedition, the team caught something large and heavy. After much effort and anticipation, they realized it was not a tiger shark, but a Greenland shark, an animal that no one on the team could immediately identify.
These sharks reach reproductive maturity at around 150 years and can grow up to an impressive 6.4 meters in length and weigh up to one ton, rivaling the size of the great white shark. The discovery captured the attention of marine life experts and enthusiasts, once again highlighting this fascinating species.
More
Size of Rare Deep-Sea Fish Found in the Canary Islands Surprises Experts
Study Reveals Similarities Between Whale Songs and Human Language
Earth’s Core May Have Changed Shape, Scientists Say