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The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is a fascinating and enigmatic species of deep-sea shark found primarily in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Here are some key facts about this remarkable creature:

Lifespan: The Greenland shark is known for its incredible longevity, with estimates suggesting they can live for 300 to 500 years, making them one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth.

Size and Weight: They can grow to be among the largest sharks, reaching lengths of up to 7.3 meters (24 feet) and weighing over 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds).

Habitat: Greenland sharks are typically found at depths ranging from 200 to 600 meters (660 to 1,970 feet), but they can dive as deep as 2,200 meters (7,200 feet). They prefer cold waters, generally between -1 and 10 degrees Celsius (30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit).

Diet: These sharks are slow-moving predators and scavengers, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, seals, and carrion. They have even been known to consume reindeer and polar bear remains.

Behavior: Despite their size and predatory nature, Greenland sharks are relatively slow swimmers, moving at a leisurely pace of about 1.22 kilometers per hour (0.76 miles per hour).

Reproduction: Little is known about their reproductive habits. They are ovoviviparous, meaning that the eggs develop and hatch inside the female's body, and she gives birth to live young.

Adaptations: Greenland sharks have several adaptations for life in deep, cold waters, including a high concentration of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in their tissues, which protects their proteins from the effects of high pressure and low temperatures.

Toxicity: The flesh of the Greenland shark is toxic when fresh due to high levels of urea and TMAO, which can cause a condition known as "shark intoxication." However, it can be eaten after being processed through a traditional Icelandic method of fermentation and drying to produce a delicacy known as hákarl.

Low Metabolic Rate: Greenland sharks have a very low metabolic rate, which is an adaptation to the cold, deep waters they inhabit. This slow metabolism allows them to survive on minimal food resources for extended periods and contributes to their longevity.

Conservation Status: They are currently listed as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN due to their slow growth rate, late maturity, and low reproductive output, making them vulnerable to overfishing and environmental changes.

Research Importance: The Greenland shark's exceptional lifespan and unique adaptations to deep-sea environments make it a subject of interest for scientists studying aging, longevity, and the impacts of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.

Parasites: Many Greenland sharks are often seen with parasitic copepods, specifically Ommatokoita elongata, attached to their eyes. These parasites can impair their vision, but the sharks rely more on other senses for hunting.

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