Closer examination, however, confirmed that a polar shark had ventured into tropical regions. Its characteristic head and the size and shape of its fins made its identification possible.

Measuring the Greenland shark’s growth rate is challenging because individuals are rarely recaptured. However, one shark tagged in 1936 had only grown 2.3 inches when it reappeared 16 years later.

Ordinarily, polar bodies are just reabsorbed ... contributing invaluable insights to the study of shark reproduction and conservation efforts," Shreveport Aquarium said in a statement.

It’s predicted that this shark could live to 200 years old, and its slow way of life means it expends little energy when scavenging for food - perhaps a drowned Polar bear or dead whale.