1. Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus)
The Greenland shark is the longest-living vertebrate known to science. These deep-sea dwellers can live for over 400 years, with some estimates putting the oldest individuals at around 500 years. They grow extremely slowly—just about 1 cm per year—which scientists believe contributes to their extended lifespans. These sharks inhabit the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, often dwelling at depths over 2,000 meters. Due to their sluggish metabolism, they rarely engage in fast movement or aggressive hunting, preferring scavenging or slow ambushes. Remarkably, they don’t even reach sexual maturity until they’re around 150 years old, making their reproduction timeline one of the most extended in the animal kingdom.
2. Ocean Quahog Clam (Arctica islandica)
The ocean quahog clam may not look like much, but some individuals have been confirmed to live more than 500 years. One clam, famously named “Ming,” was determined to be 507 years old when researchers accidentally killed it during a study. These clams live buried in the ocean floor, where they lead slow, sedentary lives in cold, nutrient-rich waters. Their incredible longevity is believed to be tied to their very low metabolic rates and their environment’s stability. Over centuries, they accumulate growth rings in their shells, much like trees, which scientists use to determine their age. Ocean quahogs are also useful indicators of past oceanic and climate conditions due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.
3. Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)
Native to Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, the bowhead whale is one of the longest-living mammals on Earth. Some individuals have been verified to live over 200 years, with harpoons found in their blubber dating back to the 1800s. These whales possess specialized adaptations for life in icy waters, including a thick blubber layer and a massive skull that helps them break through ice. Scientists attribute their longevity partly to their cold, stable habitats and relatively low exposure to disease. Genetic studies have revealed unique DNA repair mechanisms in bowhead whales, which might explain their extended lifespans and resistance to cancer. Their long life also means they have extended periods of parental care and complex social interactions.
4. Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea)
These massive tortoises can live well over 150 years, with some unverified reports suggesting even longer lifespans. One famous individual, Adwaita, was believed to have lived to the age of 255 in an Indian zoo. Aldabra giant tortoises are endemic to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, where their slow-paced lives and lack of natural predators contribute to their longevity. Their metabolism is incredibly slow, and they can survive for months without food or water. They play a critical ecological role in seed dispersal and vegetation control. The tortoises also demonstrate social behaviors and can be surprisingly interactive with humans when kept in captivity.
5. Rougheye Rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus)
This deep-sea fish is among the longest-living fish species, with some individuals reaching ages of over 200 years. Native to the Pacific Ocean, rougheye rockfish are slow-growing and mature late in life, often not reproducing until they are 25 or older. Their habitat—cold, deep waters—likely contributes to their extended lifespan by slowing their biological processes. Despite their long life, they are highly vulnerable to overfishing because they reproduce so infrequently. Scientists study them to understand aging mechanisms in cold-blooded animals. Their vibrant pink-red coloration and distinct spines beneath the eyes make them easily recognizable.
6. Red Sea Urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus)
Found in the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to California, red sea urchins can live more than 200 years. These echinoderms show little to no signs of aging as they grow older, making them fascinating subjects in longevity research. Despite their fragile appearance, their hard exoskeletons protect them from predators, while their tube feet and spines help with movement and food gathering. They feed primarily on algae and can play a significant role in shaping underwater ecosystems. Red sea urchins are slow to reproduce and grow, traits commonly associated with long-lived species. Their populations are threatened by overharvesting due to the popularity of their roe in sushi cuisine.
7. Tuataras (Sphenodon punctatus)
Although they resemble lizards, tuataras are actually the last surviving members of an ancient reptilian order that lived alongside dinosaurs. Native to New Zealand, tuataras can live over 100 years in the wild, with some individuals in captivity reaching 140 years. Their growth continues slowly throughout life, and they don’t reach sexual maturity until about 20 years old. They thrive in cool climates and have a slow metabolism, which contributes to their longevity. Tuataras have a unique “third eye” on the top of their heads, believed to help regulate circadian rhythms. Conservation efforts are underway to protect them, as habitat loss and introduced predators have greatly reduced their numbers.
8. Koi Fish (Cyprinus rubrofuscus)
Domesticated for ornamental purposes, koi fish are known to live surprisingly long lives—some exceeding 200 years. One koi named Hanako reportedly lived to be 226 years old, though the claim remains debated. Koi longevity is heavily influenced by genetics, water quality, and diet, with well-cared-for koi easily reaching 50 years. They are prized for their vivid colors and are considered symbols of luck and perseverance in Japanese culture. Koi exhibit signs of individual personalities and can even recognize their caretakers. Their peaceful nature and aesthetic appeal make them popular residents in ponds and water gardens around the world.
9. Macaws (e.g., Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, Ara ararauna)
Among birds, macaws have some of the longest lifespans, with many living 50–80 years and some documented to surpass 100 in captivity. These intelligent parrots are native to Central and South America and are known for their bright plumage and powerful beaks. Macaws are highly social and require strong emotional and mental stimulation to thrive, which can make them challenging pets. In the wild, their longevity is aided by tight family bonds and cooperative behavior. They are also capable of mimicking human speech and solving complex problems, which reflects their cognitive sophistication. Conservationists are working to preserve their habitats, as many species are endangered due to illegal pet trade and deforestation.
10. African Elephants (Loxodonta africana)
African elephants are the longest-living land mammals, with wild individuals often reaching 60–70 years and some documented cases of elephants living into their 80s. Their longevity is matched by deep intelligence, emotional depth, and complex social structures. Matriarchs—the eldest females—lead family groups and retain decades of survival knowledge that guide migration and resource access. Elephants exhibit signs of grief, memory, and even rudimentary self-awareness, all of which correlate with their long lives. Their massive size and relatively few predators allow them to age in peace in undisturbed ecosystems. Sadly, habitat loss and poaching for ivory pose serious threats to their continued survival.
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