Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Amin Tawar
Greenland Shark Length
Sharks are a diverse group of animals that can be found in all the world’s oceans, from the icy polar waters to the warm tropical seas.
There are hundreds and thousands of different types of sharks across the globe and new species are still being discovered.
Have you ever wondered, among all these species how would you actually tell apart one type of shark, such as the Greenland shark?
One of the ways would be to tell apart by their appearances such as body color and certain special characteristics, and the other more accurate way would be to look at their size.
Talking about the Greenland shark, also known as the “gray shark,” “gurry shark,” or “sleeper shark,” is a large, slow-moving shark that is native to the icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
It is one of the largest species of shark, with some individuals growing to be over 2.4–4.3 m (7.9–14.1 ft) long and some growing as long as 24 feet (7.3 m).
| Greenland Shark | Length |
| Average Size | 2.4–4.3 m (7.9–14.1 ft) |
| Maximum Size | 24 feet (7.3 m) |
Greenland Shark Weight
Other than the length, the weight of the species could also be one of the most useful factors in distinguishing it from a group of different types of sharks.
To start with it is important to note that these sharks are slow-moving animals that are well-adapted to living in the cold, deep waters of the Arctic and are known to feed on a variety of prey, including fish, seals, and even polar bears.
As said earlier, Greenland sharks are among the largest species of sharks, and they can grow to be quite massive in terms of weight.
This is so that they can keep their body warm in low temperatures. Additionally, Greenland sharks can weigh anywhere from 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb), with larger individuals weighing up to 1,400 kg (3,100 lb).
| Greenland shark | Weight |
| Average size | 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb) |
| Maximum size | 1,400 kg (3,100 lb) |
Greenland Shark Baby Size
In comparison to the length and weight of adult Greenland sharks, as mentioned above, the newborns of them are actually very small. For instance, Greenland sharks are born small and grow slowly throughout their long lifespans.
To be more detailed, female Greenland sharks are thought to give birth to live young, and the size of the newborn sharks can vary significantly.
Some reports suggest that Greenland shark pups are born at around 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) in length, while others estimate that they may be born as small as 1.5 feet (0.5 meters) long.
It’s quite fascinating to see how the pups can be so tiny in size in comparison to their adult counterparts.
How Big Does A Greenland Shark Get?
Moving on, we now know how tiny and lightweight the newborns of the Greenland sharks are, but do you know how large and heavy these could get when they reach their full size or maturity?
During the phase of growth, the Greenland sharks are tiny, and as they age they keep growing in terms of length as well as weight.
When these growing sharks reach their adult size, that is when they are fully mature, they typically range in size from 2.4–4.3 m (7.9–14.1 ft) long, although some individuals have been known to reach lengths of over 24 feet (7.3 meters).
These sharks can weigh anywhere from 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb), with larger individuals weighing up to 1,400 kg (3,100 lb). 1
Greenland Shark Size Comparison To Human
Now that we know how large the Greenland shark is on its own, let’s see if it is still “larger” than other species and even its own type or not.
If we compare the size of the Greenland shark with an adult size human, it would be quite obvious to predict that in comparison to humans, Greenland sharks are much larger. And this is quite right.
While adult Greenland sharks typically range in size from 2.4 -4.3 m (7.9 – 14.1 ft) long and can weigh anywhere from 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb). In contrast, the average height of an adult human is around 5.5-5.9 feet, and weighs about 132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs). This means that an adult Greenland shark could be up to four times the size of a human.
| Animal type | Length | Weight |
| Greenland shark | 2.4–4.3 m (7.9–14.1 ft) | 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb) |
| Average adult human | 5.5 to 5.9 feet | 132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs) |
Also Check Out Our Guide On Other Shark Sizes
Greenland Shark Size Vs Great White Shark Size Comparison
Greenland sharks are among the largest species of sharks, and they can grow to be quite massive, but have you ever thought how large these would be beside a Great white shark? Great White sharks are stocky, muscular animals with a robust, conical snout and a large, triangular dorsal fin.
If you want to know the exact size difference between the two shark species, then let me tell you that the Great white sharks are larger and typically grow to be around 11-20 feet (3.3-6 meters) long and can weigh around 680 and 1,800 kg (1,500 and 4,000 pounds).
In contrast, the Greenland Shark is slightly smaller, typically ranging in size from 2.4 to 4.3 m (7.9 to 14.1 ft) long, and can weigh anywhere from 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb).
In short, the Great White shark is much heavier and larger than the Greenland shark.
| Animal type | Length | Weight |
| Greenland shark | 2.4–4.3 m (7.9–14.1 ft) | 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb) |
| Great white shark | 11-20 feet (3.3-6 meters) | 680 and 1,800 kg (1,500 and 4,000 pounds) |
Greenland Shark Size Vs Megalodon Size Comparison
Have you ever heard of the Megalodons, an extinct species of shark that lived millions of years ago during the Cenozoic Era? You probably might have not heard of this shark, but it was one of the largest sharks during that time.
During that time, it is estimated that the Megalodon sharks were up to 44 to 56 feet (13-17 m) in length and had a weight of about 50 tons.
In contrast, Greenland sharks are among the largest species of sharks that are currently living, and they can grow to be quite massive. The Greenland Shark ranges in size from 2.4 to 4.3 m (7.9 to 14.1 ft) long and can weigh anywhere from 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb).
| Animal type | Length | Weight |
| Greenland shark | 2.4–4.3 m (7.9–14.1 ft) | 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb) |
| Megalodon sharks | 44 to 56 feet (13-17 m) | 50 tons |
Greenland Shark Vs Orca Size Comparison
Have you wondered who would win in a fight between a Greenland shark and an orca? In an encounter between a Greenland shark and an orca, it is likely that the orca would have the upper hand.
This is because Orcas, also known as killer whales, are highly intelligent and social marine mammals that are found in all the world’s oceans.
These animals are known for their impressive hunting abilities and are at the top of the marine food chain.
Orcas are larger than Greenland sharks, with adult males reaching lengths of up to 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 ft) and weighing up to 6 metric tons (13,000 pounds).
| Animal type | Length | Weight |
| Greenland shark | 2.4–4.3 m (7.9–14.1 ft) | 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb) |
| Orcas | 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 ft) | 6 metric tons (13,000 pounds) |
Greenland Shark Vs Basking Shark Size Comparison
Last up on the list is the Basking shark, large, sluggish-moving basking sharks can be found worldwide in temperate and subtropical waters.
Greenland sharks and basking sharks are two species of large sharks that are found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Both species are known for their slow-moving, sluggish behavior and are generally not considered to be aggressive toward humans.
However, in terms of their size, Basking sharks are the second-largest fish in the world, after the whale shark. On average they can grow to be up to 22-29 feet (6.7-8.8 m) long and can weigh up to 3.9 metric tons (4.3 tons).
In comparison, the Greenland Shark has a length of about 2.4 to 4.3 m (7.9 to 14.1 ft) long and can weigh between 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb).
Overall, the Greenland sharks are generally not as large as Basking sharks, and they are typically not as heavily built.
| Animal type | Length | Weight |
| Greenland shark | 2.4–4.3 m (7.9–14.1 ft) | 700–1,000 kg (1,500–2,200 lb) |
| Basking shark | 22-29 feet (6.7-8.8 m) | 3.9 metric tons (4.3 tons) |
Conclusion
And that was everything you need to know about the size of Greenland shark. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.
Thank You For Reading!
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