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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) hold the distinction of being the mammals with the longest lifespan. While the precise duration of their lives remains uncertain, evidence from stone harpoon tips discovered in certain harvested individuals suggests that they can thrive for well over 100 years. In fact, it is conceivable that these remarkable creatures may even surpass the age of 200 years in their Arctic and sub-Arctic habitats.
As per the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the rougheye rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus) stands out as one of the fish species with an extraordinary lifespan. It has been determined that these pink or brownish fish, inhabiting the Pacific Ocean from California to Japan, can live for a minimum of 205 years. Their impressive longevity sets them apart as remarkable members of the marine ecosystem.
According to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera) are bivalve organisms that thrive by filtering food particles from the water they inhabit. These remarkable creatures primarily reside in rivers and streams, and they can be found in both Europe and North America. It has been recorded that the oldest known freshwater pearl mussel lived for an impressive 280 years.
In a study published in the journal Science in 2016, researchers examined eye tissue from Greenland sharks and made a fascinating discovery. They estimated that these sharks have a remarkable maximum lifespan of at least 272 years. The largest shark observed in the study was believed to be around 392 years old, leading the researchers to suggest that these incredible creatures may even reach an age of up to 512 years.
Escarpia laminata, a species of tube worm found in the Gulf of Mexico that thrives in cold-seep environments. The study revealed that these remarkable tube worms have a regular lifespan of up to 200 years, with certain specimens surviving for over 300 years. The long life spans of tube worms can be attributed to their slow metabolism and minimal natural threats, such as predators. These adaptations have allowed these creatures to evolve and thrive with exceptional longevity.
A remarkable discovery was made off the coast of Iceland in 2006. It involved an ocean quahog clam that astounded researchers with its age of 507 years. Affectionately referred to as "Ming," this ancient clam derived its nickname from the fact that it first emerged in the year 1499, coinciding with the reign of the Ming dynasty in China (1368 to 1644). The longevity of Ming serves as a testament to the incredible lifespan and enduring existence of these remarkable mollusks.
Deep-water black corals are among the longest-living corals. Black coral specimens found off the coast of Hawaii have been radiocarbon dated to be 4,265 years old
Similar to corals, sponges are composed of colonies of animals and possess an impressive capacity to live for thousands of years. Within the realm of sponges, glass sponges stand out as some of the longest-living species on Earth. These members of the sponge family are frequently encountered in the deep ocean, boasting skeletal structures that bear a striking resemblance to glass, from which they derive their name. The endurance and unique characteristics of glass sponges make them fascinating inhabitants of the underwater world.
T. dohrnii, a Jellyfish in the Mediterranean Sea can reverse their life cycle multiple times, potentially avoiding death by old age indefinitely. These tiny jellyfish, less than 0.2 inches (4.5 millimeters) in size, face vulnerability to predators and other factors, which prevents them from achieving true immortality.
Hydra is a group of small invertebrates with soft bodies that slightly resemble jellyfish and, like T. dohrnii, have the potential to live forever. They do die under natural conditions because of threats such as predators and disease, but without these external dangers, they could keep regenerating forever.