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Yes. The Greenland shark is considered the longest-lived known vertebrate, but its record rests on age estimates—not on a shark observed living for a precisely known number of years. A 2016 study estimated that its largest sampled shark, at 502 cm long, was 392 ± 120 years old.
What the age estimate means
The figure 392 ± 120 years is a statistical estimate, not a confirmed age or exact birth date. It indicates substantial uncertainty around the estimate for that particular shark. It should not be reported as though researchers had established that the animal was exactly 392 years old.
The claim is specifically about the longest-lived known vertebrate. It does not establish that Greenland sharks outlive every invertebrate or plant, nor does one sampled shark’s estimate prove that every member of the species reaches a similar age.
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Many sharks can be aged by counting growth bands in hard structures, but Greenland sharks lack the structures needed for that approach. In the 2016 study, researchers instead used radiocarbon dating on nuclei in the sharks’ eye lenses. The proteins there form before birth and persist, preserving a radiocarbon signal that can be used to estimate age.
#1 Best Overall
- VACUUM PACKAGING: Because it is a relatively large plush stuffed toy, vacuum packaging is used for transportation. When you open the packaging after receiving the product, please pat it and leave the toy for 1 to 2 days to restore the shape shown in the picture
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- MULTI PURPOSE: 39.3inch/100cm large size suitable for hugging and leaning, but also a good decoration for beds, sofas and cars. Suitable for bedroom, living room, home, office, car, travel and other places
- REALISTIC SHARK DESIGN: The plush animal has a cool shark design with vivid eyes and sharp teeth making the toy look more realistic. Shark plush pillow abdomen is full of elasticity, in line with the human body structure, very suitable for children to hold or lie down to play and sleep
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL PLUSH TOY: A versatile plush toy that can be used as a toy, pillow, cushion and body pillow. Kids of all ages will love this plush toy for reading, watching TV, studying and dozing off on a big soft pillow
As NOAA Ocean Service explains, “Carbon dating can only provide estimates, not a definitive age.” The method supports an estimate rather than a precise date of birth.
Why sexual maturity matters
The same 2016 study estimated the age at sexual maturity at 156 ± 22 years. This is also an estimate with uncertainty, not a fixed age at which every shark begins reproducing. It nevertheless indicates that Greenland sharks may take many decades to mature.
Rank #2
- AWESOME! SET OF MAKO & HAMMERHEAD STUFFED SHARKS: Each set includes a Hammerhead shark that measures 13 inches and a Mako Shark that measures 14 inches in length. The Mako shark can be found in temperate and tropical seas all over the globe. Hammerhead Sharks are ferocious predators that hunt and tear apart their prey with their sharp teeth!
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What newer genome research adds
A 2026 study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported a chromosome-level Greenland shark genome assembly measuring 5.9 Gb, with 96.7% completeness. Those numbers describe the genome assembly; they are not a new measurement of shark age. The study explores lifespan extremes and population dynamics, but does not directly track sharks for centuries or precisely redetermine the ages of the animals in the 2016 sample.
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Why such a slow life history matters for conservation
Canada’s 2025 COSEWIC assessment identifies slow growth, late maturity, uncertain fecundity and reproductive timing, and long generation length as factors that could limit population recovery. When animals take a long time to mature, losses may be slow to replace.
Rank #3
- Safety certification: our shark plush has a product safety certificate certified by CPSIA. Without any sharp small parts, children can safely hold the shark plush that can be washed by machine and hand for entertainment, play and sleep
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- Impressive Size: 39.5-inch shark plush toy that serves as an eye-catching decorative piece while providing a cozy companion for children and adults alike
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- Multi-Purpose Functionality: Can be used as a stuffed toy, a pillow, a nap partner, or as a decoration for a bedroom or living room to add a comfortable ocean atmosphere
NOAA also notes that Greenland sharks can be caught as bycatch in fishing nets and on lines, making bycatch reduction relevant to their conservation. The longevity estimate therefore matters beyond the record: it points to a life history in which population change and recovery may unfold slowly.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Soft material: shark stuffed animal toys are filled with high quality PP cotton. Breathable and safe material, soft as a cloud and comfortable to the touch. Perfect for hugging and leaning.
- Size:pink shark stuffed animal is about 23.6/31.5/39.4inches, a large size plush toy that is sure to be loved and embraced,suitable for a variety of occasions and can be a nice match for your room or any home decor.
- Funny Gifts: This shark pillow is the best choice for gift giving,The cute plush shark is suitable for New Year, birthday, party, Valentine's Day, Easter, graduation season, Thanksgiving, Christmas and more or any occasion.
- Wide range of applications:shark plush Cute Sea Animal is not only a toy, it can also be used for many purposes.
- stuffed shark plush toy:Suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, homes, offices, cars, travel and other places.can be a nice match for your room or any home decor. Put big stuffed animals in the office, you can sleep on it act as a lumbar pillow, relieve work fatigue, and give you a soft hug.
Rank #4
- AWESOME! SET OF MAKO & HAMMERHEAD STUFFED SHARKS: Each set includes a Hammerhead shark that measures 20 inches and a Mako Shark that measures 20 inches in length. The Mako shark can be found in temperate and tropical seas all over the globe. Hammerhead Sharks are ferocious predators that hunt and tear apart their prey with their sharp teeth!
- EXTRA SOFT! A GIFT CHILDREN & TODDLERS LOVE : Our Bedwina Plushie Sharks are different! Thats because our stuffed animals are made of soft plush material that makes them cuddly, fluffy and adorable guaranteed! They are the perfect gift for children of all ages 3+.
- EACH SHARK COMES WITH ITS OWN STORY: Each shark has its own individual tag with fun facts about each animal. Are you looking for great quality stuffed animal shark toys then they will love these Mako & Hammerhead Shark Stuffed Animals.
- GREAT HIGH QUALITY FABRIC: The Mako Shark Measures 20 inches in length and the Hammerhead measures 20 inches long. Because these stuffed animal plush toys have high quality super soft plush material fabric and hard plastic sewn eyes you'll notice they will last! This is great for you because your shark lovers will be very happy with both of them!
- TRUSTED BRAND: When shopping with Bedwina you can be rest assured that our if for whatever reason you are not 100% satisfied we'll take back your product, no questions asked. We are here to make you happy, 100% of the time with our 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
