This shark can live up to 500 years (5 photos)

Greenland polar shark (lat. Squalus microcephalus) lives in the northern waters of the Atlantic Ocean and is the most "northern" among all types of sharks. This predatory fish lives at depths from 200 to 2200 m, where he leads a sedentary lifestyle, eating fish and carrion.





Squalus microcephalus can reach sizes up to 6.5 m and weight up to 1 ton. It is noteworthy that the upper teeth of a shark differ from lower. The lower large teeth have a flattened root and a bevel to the side. corners of the mouth, while the upper ones are smaller, even and symmetrical.



Greenland shark compared to a human

Average life expectancy of Greenland sharks is at least 270 years old. Scientists believe that the animal is capable of live and more - up to 500 years. This makes them long-lived record holders. among vertebrates. The age of the largest shark ever caught, about 5 meters, the researchers estimated at 390 years.





Shark with a man.

This longevity may be due to the slow metabolism. Shark tissue contains trimethylamine oxide, which allows her to survive at great depths and in cold water. This substance, along with glycoprotein and urea, act as an antifreeze, preventing the formation of ice crystals in the cells of the body.



Greenland sharks are ovoviviparous, females reach puberty at 150 years old. Females carry up to 500 soft eggs, from of which about 10 newborn sharks survive.



Unfortunately, this type of shark represents for humans commercial interest, which puts it at risk. In some countries it trapping is still allowed, which is why the International Union for Conservation of Nature has given the species a conservation status of Near Threatened.