How to Identify Greenland shark

To identify Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Typically dark grey, brownish-grey, or blackish, often with lighter mottling or banding. The ventral side is usually lighter.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Small eyes relative to body size, often parasitized by a copepod (Ommatokoita elongata) which can cause bioluminescence and impair vision., Blunt, rounded snout., Two small dorsal fins, without spines, located far back on the body., Lack of an anal fin., Asymmetrical caudal fin, with the upper lobe longer than the lower., Rough, placoid scales covering the skin.

Dorsal fin

Two small, spineless dorsal fins, positioned far posteriorly on the body, with the first dorsal fin originating behind the pelvic fin origin.

Tail fin

Asymmetrical caudal fin, with a longer upper lobe and a shorter, less developed lower lobe.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small and paddle-like.

Distinctive fins

Absence of an anal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Very large, robust body with a blunt snout and relatively small eyes.

2. 2

   Fin Placement

   Two small dorsal fins located far back on the body, behind the pelvic fins. No anal fin.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Uniform dark grey to brownish-black, often mottled.

4. 4

   Eye Parasite

   Often has a parasitic copepod (Ommatokoita elongata) attached to its cornea, which appears as a yellowish-white worm-like structure on the eye. This is a strong indicator for this species.

5. 5

   Slow Movement

   Known for its extremely slow swimming speed, a characteristic of 'sleeper sharks'.

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