Buzz
With the continuous progression of medicine, science, and societal advancements, our life expectancy continues to grow. More people than ever before are living past 100 years old, and diseases that once claimed lives are now easily treatable. Thanks to breakthroughs in technology, many are hopeful that technology might one day not only extend our lives but even enable us to exist indefinitely in digital form. However, while humans might consider it impressive to live to 90, certain creatures in the animal kingdom are far surpassing us. Here are ten animals whose lifespans outshine our own birthday celebrations.
10. Rougheye Rockfish
Though Rougheye rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus) are among the longest-living marine creatures, they don’t quite claim the top spot here. Typically found between 560 and 2,200 feet deep in the Pacific Ocean, these fish are named for the ten spines found on the lower rim of their eyes. They grow at an incredibly slow pace, reach maturity late in life, and have the potential to live up to 200 years, with the oldest confirmed specimen reaching 205 years.
9. Red Sea Urchins
The red sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) has been around for roughly 450 million years and is the largest of all sea urchins, capable of reaching up to 10 inches in diameter. These creatures tend to remain in one spot, protected by their sharp spines. However, they occasionally gather in groups and move at an extremely slow pace to search for food. While most red sea urchins typically live for no more than 30 years, those that surpass this age can live for over 200 years.
8. Bowhead Whales
Some scientists believe that bowhead whales may be the oldest living mammals on Earth. One particular whale, named Bada, is thought to have lived to 211 years, though it is possible she was as old as 245. While most bowhead whales die between the ages of 20 and 60, four other bowheads were found to be almost as old as Bada, with ages of 91, 135, 159, and 172. Remarkably, seven harpoon heads were discovered embedded in these whales, each at least a century old, though this is not how the whales got their name.
7. Koi Fish
While most koi fish live to be under 50 years old, which is respectable, it is far from the remarkable age required to make this list. Hanako, however, was an extraordinary koi fish who passed away in 1977 at the impressive age of 226 years. Born in 1751, Hanako lived long before Benjamin Franklin’s discovery of electricity and before anyone even knew that mammoths once roamed the earth. She witnessed the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the French Revolution, both World Wars, and much more. Hanako’s age was confirmed by counting the rings on her scales, much like how the age of a tree is determined.
6. Vestimentiferan Tubeworms
Vestimentiferan Tubeworms (Lamellibrachia luymesi) are stationary creatures, meaning they remain in the same spot throughout their entire adult lives. This particular species is primarily found in the northern Gulf of Mexico, living up to 2,500 feet below sea level in deep-sea cold seeps. These worms rely on a symbiotic relationship with sulfide-oxidizing bacteria for their nutrition. Growing up to 10 feet in length, they often live in large colonies of thousands. Due to their extremely slow growth, these tube worms can live for as long as 250 years.
5. Freshwater Pearl Mussels
It is believed that roughly 90% of freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera) are located around Scandinavia. These resilient creatures can easily adapt to a variety of environments, making them less vulnerable to climate, geological, physical, biological, or even chemical changes compared to many other species. However, despite their toughness, their population has been steadily declining for many years. The surviving mussels are the hardiest of the bunch, with many individuals living for over 250 years, making them possibly the oldest living creatures in Europe.
4. Tortoise
Tortoises (Testudinidae) are well-known for their remarkable longevity. A healthy tortoise typically lives to about 150 years, though the exact age can vary depending on the species. The oldest tortoise known to date, however, surpassed even this impressive age. Adwaita, a tortoise that was once the pet of British General Robert Clive, was later transferred to a zoo in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), where he spent the last 130 years of his life. It’s remarkable to consider that when Adwaita died, no one working at the zoo had even been born when he first arrived. His death, which resulted from a crack in his shell, was carbon-dated, and scientists concluded that he was over 250 years old, with some sources claiming he was 255, while others say 257.
3. Jellyfish
This entry may not be surprising to some, as it has gained significant attention over the past year, and rightfully so. At first glance, the Turritopsis nutricula appears rather unimpressive. Newborns measure just about 1mm with 8 tentacles, and adults reach about 4.5mm, sporting up to 90 tentacles. Native to the Caribbean, these jellyfish have since spread across the globe. However, there may be potential concerns for the future as they could keep reproducing endlessly. What sets them apart from other jellyfish, and indeed all living creatures, is their ability to revert to a younger, sexually immature state. These jellyfish grow and mature like any other, but once they reach a certain age, they can regress to the polyp stage and restart their life cycle. Imagine a 50-year-old turning back into a baby—that’s what these jellyfish can do, making them potentially immortal.
2. Antarctic Sponge
Many may not even realize that sponges are animals, but they are—after all, how could Spongebob Squarepants exist otherwise? Sponges, by nature, are quite inactive, with some moving less than 1 millimeter per day. This slow pace of life contributes to their impressive longevity. While most of the 5,000 to 10,000 species of sponge live for anywhere from 3 months to 20 years, the Antarctic sponge stands apart. One specimen of this species is estimated to be an astonishing 1,550 years old.
1. Ocean Quahog
Ocean quahogs are a species of clam mostly found along the Scottish coast. True to their nature, they are sedentary, burrowing into sand or mud and filtering food and oxygen through their gills. To shield themselves from predators, they can dig deep into the seabed and remain there for long stretches without surfacing for sustenance. Unfortunately, ocean trawlers have caused a 50% decrease in their numbers over recent decades by either damaging the clams or leaving them exposed to predators. As a result, fewer quahogs are living to reach their full lifespan. While these clams typically live for over 400 years, one individual was discovered to have lived for 500 years.
