Human beings have always dreamed of immortality. Scientists are seeking to understand the mechanisms of aging ever more precisely, studying the human body with unprecedented precision. They are also trying to find out why certain animals live so long, unlocking their mysteries and hoping to use this knowledge to extend the already satisfying human lifespan.
Longest Living Animals
- Turritopsis Dohrnii Jellyfish: This tiny jellyfish is potentially immortal as it can reverse the aging process.
- Sea Sponge: These animals can live for thousands of years, with some species, like the Scolymastra joubini, exceeding 10,000 years.
- Ming the Clam: The “Artica islandica” clam lived for 507 years, making it one of the oldest clams ever discovered.
- Greenland Shark: This unique shark can live up to 392 years, making it the oldest vertebrate on Earth.
- Greenland Whale: With an astonishing 211-year lifespan, it’s the mammal with the longest life expectancy.
- Koi Carp: These ornamental fish can live up to 226 years, with one named Hanako being a notable long-lived individual.
- Giant Red Sea Urchin: The Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, the largest sea urchin ever seen, can live up to 200 years.
- Giant Galápagos Tortoise: These iconic tortoises can live between 150 to 200 years.
- Orange Roughy or Emperor Fish: Living in the depths of the oceans, these fish can reach almost 150 years of age.
- Tuatara: This ancient reptile, with characteristics resembling dinosaurs, can live for over 100 years, with one individual recorded to have lived for more than 111 years.
Turritopsis Dohrnii Jellyfish
The Turritopsis Dohrnii jellyfish, also known as the “immortal jellyfish,” is a species found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and the waters around Japan. What makes this jellyfish unique is its ability to revert to an earlier life stage. When faced with unfavorable conditions or aging, it can transform itself back into a polyp, essentially starting its life cycle over. While the term “immortal” is a bit of an exaggeration, this remarkable process of reverting to youth has garnered significant scientific interest as it challenges conventional notions of aging in the animal kingdom.
Sea Sponge
Sea sponges, members of the phylum Porifera, are some of the simplest multicellular organisms. They are often mistaken for plants due to their stationary nature and porous structures. Sea sponges are found in various marine environments and are known for their ability to filter and purify water. Their slow growth and resilience contribute to their longevity. The Scolymastra joubini, a species of sea sponge, is known to have lived for an estimated 13,000 years, making it one of the longest-living animals.
Ming the Clam
Ming, an “Artica islandica” clam, gained notoriety for its exceptional age. Discovered off the coast of Iceland, Ming lived for 507 years. This clam’s longevity provides insight into the potential lifespans of certain marine creatures, challenging our understanding of aging in the animal kingdom.
Greenland Shark
The Greenland shark, a species inhabiting the frigid waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, is known for its extreme longevity. Recent research indicates that some individuals can live for up to 392 years, making it the vertebrate with the longest recorded lifespan. This shark’s longevity is attributed to its slow growth rate and the cold, nutrient-rich waters in which it resides.
Greenland Whale
The Greenland whale, also known as the bowhead whale, is a large, baleen whale species primarily found in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. With a lifespan of up to 211 years, it holds the record for the longest-living mammal. Research into these whales has shown that they exhibit unique mechanisms to resist cancer and other age-related diseases, contributing to their remarkable longevity.
Koi Carp
Koi carp are ornamental fish often kept in decorative ponds, especially in Asian cultures. While the average lifespan of a Koi carp in a controlled environment is around 60 years, exceptional individuals like Hanako have been documented to live for up to 226 years. These fish are known for their vibrant colors and are bred for their aesthetic appeal.
Giant Red Sea Urchin
The Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, or giant red sea urchin, resides in the Pacific Ocean and is the largest known species of sea urchin. With a diameter approaching 20 cm and spines exceeding 8 cm, this sea urchin can live for nearly two centuries. Its voracious appetite for algae contributes to its significant impact on the marine ecosystem.
Galápagos Giant Tortoise
The giant Galápagos tortoises, endemic to the Galápagos Islands, are known for their enormous size and long lifespan. While exact lifespans vary, these tortoises can live between 150 and 200 years, with some individuals reaching remarkable ages. They are emblematic of the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos and have played a crucial role in Charles Darwin‘s theory of evolution.
Orange Roughy or Emperor Fish
The orange roughy, also known as the emperor fish, is a deep-sea dweller found in various oceans worldwide, typically living at depths of over 900 meters. These fish take almost 20 years to reach sexual maturity, and their longevity can extend to nearly 150 years. Orange roughies are of commercial interest due to their slow growth and late maturation.
Tuatara
The tuatara, scientifically known as Sphenodon, is a reptile found in New Zealand. It is often referred to as a “living fossil” due to its ancient lineage. These creatures have been present on Earth for over 200 million years, with characteristics reminiscent of early reptiles. While they stop growing around the age of 50, some individuals have been documented to live for over 100 years, with one notable case surpassing 111 years.
