How long does a Greenland Shark live?

A greenland shark lives 300 years on average (maximum recorded: 512 years). They reach maturity at 150 years.

Lifespan Overview

Average Lifespan

300 years

Maximum Recorded

512 years

Maturity Age

150 years

Human Year Ratio

1:0.25

The longest-lived vertebrate on Earth. Average lifespan 250-500 years. They don't reach sexual maturity until approximately 150 years old. A Greenland shark born today won't be able to reproduce until the year 2175.

Greenland Shark Age → Human Age Converter

Greenland Shark age: 150 years

≈ 38 human years

Developmental Stages

Juvenile 0 days – 50 years

Human equivalent: 0-10 years

Growing ~1 cm per year. Swimming in Arctic depths. Barely visible growth.

Adolescent 50 years – 150 years

Human equivalent: 10-25 years

100 years of 'teenage' development. Still not sexually mature. ~8-12 feet.

Adult 150 years – 300 years

Human equivalent: 25-60 years

Finally able to reproduce at ~150. Reaches 15-20 feet. Near-blind from parasites.

Ancient 300 years – 512 years

Human equivalent: 60-100+ years

The oldest specimens. Born before Shakespeare. Still swimming.

Fun Fact

A Greenland shark caught in 2016 was radiocarbon-dated to approximately 512 years old — meaning it was born around 1504, before Henry VIII became king of England.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a greenland shark live?

What is 1 greenland shark year in human years?

Approximately 0.25 human years, though this varies by life stage. Use the age converter above for a more accurate estimate.

What is the oldest greenland shark ever recorded?

The maximum recorded lifespan is 512 years. A Greenland shark caught in 2016 was radiocarbon-dated to approximately 512 years old — meaning it was born around 1504, before Henry VIII became king of England.