Convert Shark years to human years i.e. Shark vs Human Lifespan: Who Lives Longer? Find out how to compare shark and human ages with this simple formula.

Sharks average lifespan is 20 – 30 years which is compared to 79 human years.

Sharks have long captured the fascination of scientists and ocean admirers alike for their evolutionary resilience, diversity of species, and in some cases, incredible longevity.

The oldest known Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is estimated to have been 392 years old, spanning life events from the 1600s until modern day.

With such staggering numbers, marine biologists often grapple with how to equate shark lifespan in human years comparatively brief existence on Earth.

Shark species differ dramatically in size, physiology, habitat, and average lifespan compare to other fish. The Greenland shark of the Arctic seas far outlives smaller, faster growing species like the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus).

We can calculate comparative life stages using the following formula:

Human years = Shark years x (Average human life expectancy / Average shark species life expectancy)

Using 80 years as benchmark life expectancy for humans and 30 years for a hypothetical average shark species, the formula converts as:

Human years = Shark years x (80 years / 30 years)

= Shark years x 2 2/3

So approximately every 3 years for a generic shark amounts to 7 human years.

Shark Years to Human Years Calculator

Enter Shark Years:

1 Years old shark is 2 years old in human years

2 Years old shark is 5 years old in human years

3 Years old shark is 7 years old in human years

4 Years old shark is 10 years old in human years

5 Years old shark is 12 years old in human years

6 Years old shark is 15 years old in human years

7 Years old shark is 18 years old in human years

8 Years old shark is 20 years old in human years

9 Years old shark is 23 years old in human years

10 Years old shark is 25 years old in human years

Read More : – Dolphin Years to Human Years

Approach for Shark Age Conversion:

Given the diversity in shark lifespans based on species, a general conversion can be challenging. However, for simplicity, we can use a linear approach to compare shark years to human years.

1. First 15 Years: Equivalent to 25 human years (reaching young adulthood).
2. Subsequent Years: Each shark year is equivalent to 1.25 human years, considering the average human lifespan to be 75 years.

Conversion Formula:

• First 15 Years: 25 human years
• Age 16 years onwards: 25 + (1.25 * (shark_years – 15))

Find Out : – Beagle Years to Human Years

Shark Age Chart

This chart will give us an idea to know the shark age in human years.

Shark Life Stages:

• Newborn: 0-2 years
• Juvenile: 2-10 years
• Young of year: 0-5 years
• Young juvenile: 5-15 years
• Early adolescent: 10-15 years
• Late adolescent: 15-20 years
• Early adult: 20-30 years
• Adult: 30+ years
• Old Age: 50+ years

How Long Do Sharks Live

With over 500 shark species, its not uncommon for larger sharks to pass important milestones like human 60s, 70s, 80s and even 100s in equivalent human years. The Greenland shark stands out with a multi-century longevity rivaling that of the oldest tortoises and whales on earth.

Smaller, faster-growing shark species typically live 25-40 human years on average. This includes sharks like the spiny dogfish, blacktip shark, and bonnethead shark.

Larger fish species that grow slower and mature later can live to the equivalent of 60+ human years quite commonly. Examples are bull sharks (60 years), tiger sharks (70 years), and great hammerhead sharks (80 years).

Iconic apex predators like the great white shark and whale shark generally reach ages equivalent to 90-100+ human years or more. Great whites may live over 125 human years in some cases.

The record holder is the massive Greenland shark that inhabits Arctic and subarctic waters. Research using eye lenses shows Greenland sharks reach at least 272 years with some perhaps over 500 years old in human equivalent ages. A few may even reach 600+ human years, although estimates vary.

References:

1. Wikipedia – Shark
2. Greenland Shark Longevity