This is the Greenland Shark, which has the "longest known lifespan of all vertebrate species (estimated to be between 300–500 years), and is among the largest extant species of shark."
When hoisted upon deck, it beats so violently with its tail, that it is dangerous to be near it, and the seamen generally dispatch it, without much loss of time. The pieces that are cut off exhibit a contraction of their muscular fibres for some time after life is extinct. It is, therefore, extremely difficult to kill, and unsafe to trust the hand within its mouth, even when the head is cut off. And, if we are to believe Crantz, this motion is to be observed three days after, if the part is trod on or struck.
— Henry William Dewhurst, The Natural History of the Order Cetacea (1834)
Wow these things are fascinating and I had never even heard of them. Thanks for sharing OP.
Imagine swimming around in freezing water and not seeing shit because a fucking parasite is latched onto your eyes. Oh, and you can only go 2km/h. For 400 years..
LetsGetFrostier on August 15th, 2018 at 23:43 UTC »
This is the Greenland Shark, which has the "longest known lifespan of all vertebrate species (estimated to be between 300–500 years), and is among the largest extant species of shark."
rleech77 on August 16th, 2018 at 03:08 UTC »
— Henry William Dewhurst, The Natural History of the Order Cetacea (1834)
Wow these things are fascinating and I had never even heard of them. Thanks for sharing OP.
johantb on August 16th, 2018 at 03:50 UTC »
Imagine swimming around in freezing water and not seeing shit because a fucking parasite is latched onto your eyes. Oh, and you can only go 2km/h. For 400 years..