The Viral 392-Year-Old Greenland Shark Photo: What Scientists Really Say About Its Age

An image widely shared across social networks claims to depict a 392-year-old Greenland shark found in the Arctic Ocean. This captivating creature has drawn curiosity for its enigmatic presence in the deep sea. However, experts emphasize that the shark shown in the popular photo does not have a confirmed age.

The misconception arises from authentic scientific studies revealing that these sharks can survive for centuries, ranking them as some of the longest-living vertebrates. Yet, attributing an exact age to the individual shark in the image lacks supporting evidence.

The photo is linked to a 2016 research project focused on Greenland shark longevity. Scientists involved clarify that the exact age of the shark captured in the image cannot be accurately established.

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How a Research Image Became a Viral Sensation

This widely disseminated photo was accompanied by claims that it shows a 392-year-old shark swimming the oceans since 1627. The post rapidly gained traction on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Reddit, amassing thousands of shares.

The misunderstanding originates from a 2016 study published in Science, led by Julius Nielsen during his PhD at the University of Copenhagen.

“We had our expectations that we were dealing with an unusual animal, but I think everyone doing this research was very surprised to learn the sharks were as old as they were.”

The team studied 28 female Greenland sharks, most of which died after accidental capture in fishing nets. Employing radiocarbon dating, the researchers deduced that the oldest shark sampled was likely between 272 and 512 years old.

Greenland shark released from research vessel. Credit: Julius Nielsen

The Shark in the Viral Photo Has No Verified Age

USA Today explains that the image was taken as a screenshot from footage recorded during the 2016 study. Nielsen subsequently emphasized that the exact age of the shark shown cannot be confirmed. Through an Instagram message cited in the article, he noted that despite the fish’s considerable size, any precise age estimate remains impossible.

“The shark was big yes, but we cant say anything that precise about its age.” he added, “My guess is that this particular shark was older than 150 years but it is obviously a guess.”

A Greenland shark documented during Arctic scientific research. Credit: Julius Nielsen

What Enables Greenland Sharks to Reach Such Long Lifespans?

Greenland sharks live in the frigid, deep waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Their extremely slow metabolism and growth rates likely contribute to their exceptional longevity.

As noted by Britannica, these sharks can reach lengths of up to 23 feet (around 7 meters), with most measuring between 6.5 and 13 feet. With growth rates estimated at mere fractions of an inch annually, accurately age-dating these sharks remains a major challenge.