In an extraordinary discovery that captures the imagination of scientists and ocean enthusiasts alike, researchers have confirmed that a Greenland shark currently swimming in the icy waters near Greenland is approximately 400 years old. Born in the 1600s, this majestic creature predates modern inventions, nations, and even electricity, offering a rare glimpse into centuries of marine history.

Greenland sharks are already known for their slow growth and longevity, but this particular specimen takes it to a remarkable extreme, holding the record for the oldest known vertebrate in the world. Its long life has allowed it to witness dramatic changes in the oceans, from shifting marine ecosystems to the arrival of humans in the Arctic region.

Scientists have studied this shark using radiocarbon dating of its eye lens, a technique that revealed its unprecedented age. Measuring nearly 5 meters in length, the shark moves at an exceptionally slow pace, cruising through the deep Arctic waters, largely undisturbed by predators. Its lifespan is believed to be up to 500 years, making it a living testament to nature’s resilience.

Researchers highlight that the Greenland shark’s longevity provides critical insights into aging, metabolism, and deep-sea ecology. Studying such long-lived animals could help unlock secrets about human aging and marine conservation strategies.

This incredible creature serves as a reminder of the hidden wonders beneath our oceans, where life evolves at its own pace, often outlasting the human timeline. In a world that is constantly changing, the 400-year-old Greenland shark remains a silent witness to history, gliding through the Arctic depths with the mysteries of centuries etched in its very existence.