AnAge entry for Somniosus microcephalus

Classification (HAGRID: 01853)

Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
    Phylum: Chordata
        Class: Chondrichthyes (Taxon entry)
            Order: Squaliformes
                Family: Somniosidae
                    Genus: Somniosus
Species
Somniosus microcephalus
Common name
Greenland shark
Synonyms
Squalus microcephalus

Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits

Maximum longevity
392 years (wild)
Source
ref. 1153
Sample size
Small
Data quality
Acceptable
Observations

The Greenland shark is a slow growing species of shark found in Northern seas. Radiocarbon dating of eye lens nuclei revealed that these animals have the longest known lifespan of all vertebrate species, with the oldest known female shark having a lifespan of 392 +/- 120 years [1153]. In one study levels of oxidative damage to proteins and oxidative enzymes were found not to be correlated with lifespan in these animals, despite being common markers of age. These findings could be explained by adaptations to cold water temperatures and deep dives [1154].

Life history traits (averages)

Female sexual maturity
56,940 days
Male sexual maturity
Adult weight

Metabolism

No information on metabolism is available.

References

External Resources

Integrated Taxonomic Information System
ITIS 160611
Animal Diversity Web
ADW account (if available)
Encyclopaedia of Life
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NCBI Taxonomy
Entrez
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Ageing Literature
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Internet
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