Animals That Live for Hundreds of Years

Greenland Shark

Lifespan:  Up to 400 years The Greenland shark is the longest-living vertebrate known to science. These slow-growing sharks inhabit the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Their age is determined through radiocarbon dating of their eye lenses.

Bowhead Whale

 Lifespan: Potentially over 200 years Bowhead whales are native to Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They are known for their thick blubber and large baleen plates. Some individuals have been found with traditional harpoon tips embedded in their blubber, indicating they were hunted over a century ago! 

Rougheye Rockfish

 Lifespan:Up to 200 years This deep-sea fish is found along the Pacific coast of North America. They are known for their distinctive red eyes and can live for over two centuries, making them one of the longest-living fish species.

 Red Sea Urchin 

Lifespan: Around 200 years Found along the Pacific coast, these spiny echinoderms can live for over two centuries. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem, grazing on kelp and helping maintain the balance of marine life.

 Aldabra Giant Tortoise 

Lifespan:Over 150 years Native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, these tortoises are known for their massive size and longevity. They are herbivorous and can live well into their second century. 

Ocean Quahog (Clam) 

Lifespan: Over 500 years This bivalve mollusk is one of the longest-living animals on Earth. Some specimens have been found to be over 500 years old, making them remarkable indicators of environmental changes over centuries.

  Giant Barrel Sponge 

Lifespan: Up to 2,300 years Found in Caribbean waters, this sponge is one of the oldest living organisms. Its slow growth rate allows it to survive for millennia, providing habitat for various marine species. 

Conclusion

 These animals not only showcase the wonders of nature but also inspire scientific research into aging and longevity. Their ability to thrive for such extended periods raises intriguing questions about their biology and the environments they inhabit.