Discover the Oldest Sharks of All Time

One of the most fascinating sea creatures is the shark. Many people love watching movies about sharks and hearing shark attack survival stories. Some adventure seekers even go underwater in shark-infested territory just to catch a glimpse of one.

However, the sharks that come to mind today are very different from some of their ancient ancestors. Scientists estimate that there are over 500 species of sharks in existence, yet you may be surprised by just how long some sharks can live. Keep reading to discover some of the oldest sharks of all time.

10. Leopard Shark

The leopard shark’s lifespan is up to 30 years. It is recognizable by the large, dark spots on the dorsal side. They can grow to be around 4-7 feet long. These sharks don’t migrate; instead, they prefer to stay in one particular area. As a result, there are genetic differences between groups living in various regions. Leopard sharks prefer inlet areas of the Pacific Ocean between Oregon and the Gulf of California. They are found in large numbers along the coast in the summer months, most of the sharks being pregnant females.

9. Hammerhead Shark

The hammerhead shark reaches an estimated average of 25-30 years, but some individuals have lived up to 44 years! Hammerhead sharks are named for the distinctive shape of their heads, which scientists believe increases maneuverability. They can grow to a maximum of 18-20 feet long. Hammerhead sharks can be found in warm and tropical coastal waters of the Atlantic, the eastern Pacific, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indian Ocean.

8. Sand Tiger Shark

Sand tiger sharks are estimated to live over 40 years. They live in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They can grow to lengths over ten feet. Sand tiger sharks are unique among sharks as they can float motionless and ambush prey. They do this by swimming to the surface and taking a gulp of air. Sand tiger sharks hold this air in their stomachs to maintain their buoyancy while they hunt.

7. Dusky Shark

Dusky sharks are estimated to live as long as 50 years. They can reach lengths over 12 feet, but they are one of the slowest maturing shark species. Researchers believe dusky sharks are not mature until around 20 years of age. They prefer tropical and temperate waters. Dusky sharks can be found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

6. School Shark

Living over 55 years on average, the school shark is also called the tope, snapper, and soupfin shark. The sharks can reach lengths of over six feet. When they migrate, these sharks travel long distances. Some tagged sharks have been spotted over a thousand miles from their first spotting. The school shark can be found in temperate waters in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Mediterranean Sea, and along the coasts of Australia and South Africa.

5. Porbeagle Shark

The porbeagle shark can live up to 30-40 years old. They are named porbeagle from the combination of porpoise and the beagle. These sharks can grow to over six feet in length. The porbeagle shark has great endurance, swimming long distances for seasonal migrations, feeding, and reproduction. They prefer the colder waters of the North Atlantic and the Antarctic Oceans, as well as the more temperate waters of the southern Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

4. Great White Shark 

The great white shark can live an impressive 70 years or more. Great whites grow throughout their lives, meaning the largest great white sharks discovered are often 50 years or older. The largest great white recorded, nicknamed Deep Blue, is thought to reach 21 feet in length and weigh over 5,000 pounds. Deep Blue’s age has been estimated at 50 years or older. Great white sharks can be found close to the coasts in subtropical and temperate waters worldwide.

3. Spiny Dogfish Shark 

Spurdog, mud shark, or piked dogfish are other names for the spiny dogfish. This shark is called dogfish because they hunt in packs like dogs. This small, slow-growing shark can grow up to four feet long. Spiny dogfish sharks have been known to live longer than 80 years. The females do not mature until around age 35. However, the males mature around age 19. The spiny dogfish is considered a venomous shark because of the venom in their dorsal spines. They can be found in the colder waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific.

2. Whale Shark

The whale shark is the largest existing fish species worldwide, with a lifespan of over 100 years. The largest individual on record grew to more than 60 feet. While they do have some characteristics that are common to whales, like filter feeding, they are of the shark family. Whale sharks are distinguishable by the white spots covering their body. Whale sharks are found in tropical waters all over the world, with the exception of the Mediterranean Sea.

1. Greenland Shark

The oldest shark, and longest-lived vertebrate, in the world is the Greenland shark. Its lifespan is at least 250 years, but scientists have estimated this shark may live over 500 years! The shark doesn’t have the typical markers scientists use to evaluate age, which are growth rings on the shark’s vertebrae. Instead, they discovered a protein inside the shark’s eyes. The protein is formed before the shark is born and does not degrade as they grow. So, scientists have carbon-dated the protein, giving them the best estimate of its age so far.

The Greenland shark only grows around 1 cm per year. However, they can grow to over 20 feet long. The shark’s long lifespan is thought to be due to its slow metabolism. A slow metabolism means the shark must conserve energy, which is why they are so sluggish, swimming at a top speed of less than two miles per hour. However, this adaptation allows them to live in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans that they prefer.