The Greenland shark is one of the few sharks found in polar waters year-round. Because of its lethargic nature, the Greenland shark is also known as the sleeper shark.

Inuit often catch this fish by luring it to a hole chopped in the ice, and then either harpooning it or simply dragging it out of the water by hand. Unless the flesh is properly prepared, it is highly toxic and causes symptoms similar to those caused by too much alcohol.

Greenland sharks often grow to 4.2 m (14 ft.) in length.

Despite its well-known apathy, it is known to consume much livelier animals, such as squid, herring, salmon and seals.