Oldest Shark in the World: Meet the 400-Year-Old Sea Legend

They're gliding through the frigid, dark waters of the Arctic, moving at the speed of a sleepy sea cucumber. We're talking about the Greenland shark, an ancient creature that probably remembers when the violin was considered "new music."

So buckle your life jacket, friends, because we're diving into the story of the oldest shark in the world.

The Shark That Outlived Empires

Let's cut right to the cool stuff. The oldest Greenland shark ever found was estimated to be around 400 years old. Four. Hundred. YEARS.

That's older than the United States. Older than the light bulb. Older than most pirate legends. If this shark had a diary, it would include entries like "Saw a Viking ship today, looked chilly" and "Newton dropped an apple, I just dropped a seal."

This grand gilled granny of the sea has officially made headlines as the longest-living vertebrate ever recorded. Scientists dated it using radiocarbon techniques on the proteins in its eye lens (science is weird and wonderful), and the results were jaw-dropping.

Slow and Steady Swims the Shark

The Greenland shark is not here to set speed records. It swims at an average pace of 0.76 miles per hour, basically a glacial jog. But hey, what's the rush when you're living for centuries?

Their slow-motion lifestyle as one of the world's slowest animals may be one of the reasons they live so long. They're the chill retirees of the shark world. No stress, no hustle, just vibes.

Where in the World are Greenland Sharks?

Greenland sharks are primarily found in the cold, deep waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans. They hang out at depths of up to 7,200 feet, which makes spotting one a pretty big deal. They're the sea's introverts: mysterious, unbothered, and not fans of the spotlight.

Their skin is dark, rough, and kind of creepy-cool, and they can grow up to 24 feet long, making them one of the largest shark species out there. They're the Leviathans your Icelandic ancestors warned you about (and probably respected).

What's for Dinner? (Hint: Not You)

Despite their size and stealthy, slow-motion swimming, Greenland sharks are not considered dangerous to humans. We don't usually run into them because they're so deep underwater. Also, they're pretty chill eaters.

These sharks are scavengers, meaning they snack on whatever they can find. We're talking fish, squid, and even the occasional unlucky reindeer or polar bear. Scientists have found some interesting leftovers in their bellies.

Eyes on the Prize (Or Not)

Here's something spooky: many Greenland sharks are basically blind. Their eyes are often infested with a parasitic crustacean called Ommatokoita elongata, which dangles from their eyeballs like some kind of deep-sea fashion statement. It's creepy, it's weird, and yet they still thrive.

Despite their poor eyesight, they rely on other senses (like smell) to find food. You know what they say: when life gives you parasitic eye worms, sniff your way to success.

What's the Secret to Their Longevity?

If we could bottle up whatever the Greenland shark is doing and turn it into a skincare routine, the anti-aging industry would implode. Scientists aren't 100% sure what makes these sharks live so long, but here are a few theories:

• Cold water = slow metabolism: Their environment keeps everything running on low power, which might help reduce cell damage over time.
• Slow growth rate: They grow only about 1 cm per year. It's like the bonsai tree of the ocean.
• Minimal stress: No predators, no rent to pay, no emails to answer.

Basically, they're the sea version of "I'm staying in tonight with a face mask and some kelp."

A Shark Tale for the History Books

The oldest Greenland shark isn't just a remarkable marine fact; it's a reminder of how little we know about the deep sea. These sharks have been swimming through history quietly, outliving empires, evading extinction, and ignoring the modern world's hustle.

Why We're Kinda Obsessed (And Maybe You Should Be Too)

At BeCause Tees, we're celebrating life's quirks, and the Greenland shark is the poster fish for that. It's weird, wise, and wonderfully ancient.

Sharks often get a bad rap, but this elder sea sage reminds us that not all sharks are choppy chomps. Some are just slow-swimming, sea-floor cruising legends of longevity.

Fun Fact Recap 

• Greenland sharks can live up to 400 years.
• They're the oldest known vertebrate species.
• They swim slower than your grandma in flip-flops.
• They often go blind due to parasites but don't seem bothered.
• They eat almost anything, even frozen mammal meat.
• They live in the deep, cold waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic.

Final Thought: Be More Shark?

What if we took a page from the Greenland shark's book?

Slow down. Breathe deep. Stay curious. Avoid drama. Let the weird stuff float by. Embrace your inner elder shark and remember that life doesn't have to move fast to be legendary.

And if you need a cozy tee to help you feel chill while channeling your cold-water Zen, we have just the thing waiting for you.

Stay curious, stay cozy, and keep swimming slow, friends.