20 Animals That Can Live for Over 200 Years
The concept of aging varies dramatically across the animal kingdom, with some creatures experiencing lifespans that dwarf our human expectations. While humans celebrate reaching a century as an extraordinary achievement, certain animals routinely surpass this milestone, with some species capable of living for multiple centuries.
These long-lived organisms offer fascinating insights into the biological mechanisms of aging and longevity that continue to intrigue scientists worldwide. Here is a list of 20 remarkable animals that can survive for more than 200 years, demonstrating nature’s extraordinary diversity in life history strategies.
Greenland Shark
The Greenland shark grows extremely slowly in the frigid Arctic waters, adding less than half an inch per year to its length. Scientists discovered these sharks can live for at least 272 years, with some potentially reaching 500 years old.
One specimen was estimated to have been born around 1740, making it older than the United States itself.
Ocean Quahog Clam
These unassuming mollusks might look ordinary, but they hold extraordinary lifespans beneath their shells. The oldest documented ocean quahog, nicknamed ‘Ming,’ was 507 years old when scientists unfortunately killed it while determining its age.
These clams grow extremely slowly in the cold Atlantic waters, developing growth rings similar to trees that can be counted to determine their impressive age.
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Bowhead Whale
Adapted to life in the Arctic, bowhead whales grow up to 60 feet long and can live for over 200 years. Scientists have found ancient harpoon points embedded in living whales that date back to the 1800s, confirming their incredible longevity.
Their secret appears to be exceptional DNA repair mechanisms that protect against cancer and aging.
Giant Tortoise
Giant tortoises are famous for their extraordinary lifespans, with several documented individuals living well past 200 years. Adwaita, an Aldabra giant tortoise, reportedly lived to be 255 years old in Kolkata Zoo, having been born around 1750.
Their slow metabolism, protective shells, and lack of predators have all contributed to their evolutionary strategy of extreme longevity.
Tubeworm
Deep-sea tubeworms living near hydrothermal vents can survive for over 250 years in one of Earth’s most extreme environments. These strange creatures lack mouths and digestive systems, instead relying on bacteria living inside them to convert chemicals from the vents into food.
Their incredibly slow growth rate and stable deep-sea home allow them to persist for centuries in the dark ocean depths.
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Red Sea Urchin
These spiny ocean dwellers can live up to 200 years while barely showing signs of aging. Red sea urchins maintain their reproductive abilities throughout their entire lives without any decline.
Their cells appear to have specialized protection against the damage that typically causes aging in other animals.
Freshwater Pearl Mussel
These unassuming river dwellers can silently filter water for over 200 years in cold, clean streams across the Northern Hemisphere. The oldest documented specimen was found in Estonia and had reached 280 years of age.
These mussels grow extremely slowly after reaching maturity, sometimes adding just fractions of a millimeter to their shells each year.
Rougheye Rockfish
Swimming in the deep waters of the North Pacific, these fish can live for over 200 years while growing to just about 3 feet long. The oldest confirmed rougheye rockfish was 205 years old, though scientists believe some may live even longer.
They’ve adapted to extremely high-pressure environments where their slow metabolism allows them to conserve energy and extend their lifespan.
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Orange Roughy
These deep-sea fish don’t begin to reproduce until they are 20–30 years old and can live well beyond 200 years. Orange roughy inhabit depths of up to 6,000 feet, where food is scarce and metabolism is naturally slowed.
Their remarkable longevity has actually contributed to their endangered status, as their slow reproduction rate can’t keep pace with commercial fishing.
Antarctic Sponge
Living in the frigid waters surrounding Antarctica, these simple animals can survive for over 10,000 years, according to some estimates. Antarctic sponges grow at an incredibly slow rate of just 0.01 millimeters per year in the near-freezing waters.
Their simple body structure and minimal energy requirements allow them to persist through millennia with minimal aging.
Black Coral
Despite their name, black corals are typically bright colors and can live for extraordinary periods in deep ocean environments. Some black coral colonies have been dated to be over 4,000 years old, making them some of the oldest living organisms on the planet.
These colonial animals grow extremely slowly, adding just micrometers to their skeletons each year.
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Immortal Jellyfish
This aptly named creature can theoretically live forever through a remarkable biological process called transdifferentiation. When faced with physical damage, starvation, or other threats, the immortal jellyfish can revert from its adult form back to its juvenile polyp stage.
This biological reset button gives it potential immortality, though predation and disease still limit actual lifespans in the wild.
Lake Sturgeon
These prehistoric-looking fish have remained largely unchanged for over 150 million years, and individuals can live well beyond 200 years. Female lake sturgeon typically don’t reproduce until they’re 20-25 years old, with males maturing slightly earlier.
Their slow growth rate and delayed reproduction are classic traits of extremely long-lived species.
American Lobster
While most lobsters in the wild don’t reach their full longevity potential due to predation and fishing, biologists believe these crustaceans can live well beyond 200 years. Unlike most animals, lobsters produce an enzyme called telomerase throughout their lives, preventing the shortening of protective chromosome caps that typically limit cell division in other species.
They also continue growing throughout their lives and maintain reproductive capabilities, showing few typical signs of senescence seen in other animals.
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Hexactinellid Sponge
Also known as glass sponges, these simple animals construct intricate silica skeletons that can persist for centuries on the ocean floor. Some specimens have been estimated to be over 200 years old based on growth rates and size measurements.
Their extremely slow metabolism and minimal energy needs allow them to survive in nutrient-poor deep ocean environments.
Olm
Sometimes called the ‘human fish’ due to its pinkish skin color, this blind salamander can live for over 200 years in the dark cave systems of Southern Europe. Olm have evolved extremely slow metabolisms, sometimes going without food for up to a decade during lean times.
Their heartbeat slows to just 2 beats per minute when resting, conserving energy and extending their lifespan.
Red Sea Coral
Some red coral colonies in the Mediterranean have been dated to over 200 years old, growing just centimeters per century. These slow-growing colonies form vital habitats for countless marine species.
Unfortunately, their extreme longevity and slow growth make them particularly vulnerable to damage from bottom trawling and harvesting for jewelry.
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Tuatara
The tuatara, native to New Zealand, is a reptile that has existed since the time of the dinosaurs, making it a “living fossil.” These creatures have an exceptionally slow metabolism and growth rate, contributing to their longevity.
While many tuataras live over 100 years, some individuals have been documented to live up to 200 years in captivity.
Hydra
These tiny freshwater relatives of jellyfish show no signs of aging and can potentially live indefinitely under ideal conditions. Hydras continuously replace their cells and appear to have unlimited regenerative capabilities.
Laboratory specimens have been observed living for decades without showing any signs of senescence or decline.
Koi Fish
Koi fish are ornamental varieties of the common carp and are renowned for their longevity. With proper care, some koi have been reported to live over 200 years; the most famous example is “Hanako,” who reportedly lived to be 226 years old.
Their extended lifespans are attributed to optimal living conditions and genetics.
The Ancient Ones Among Us
These incredible creatures remind us that the human lifespan is just a brief moment in Earth’s biological timeline. Many of these animals have survived through multiple human generations, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and the rapid transformation of our planet.
Their extraordinary adaptations to slow down biological processes offer valuable insights for understanding aging itself. As we continue studying these remarkable animals, we’re gaining new perspectives on the fundamental processes of life and death. These ancient beings stand as living time capsules, connecting us to Earth’s past while offering glimpses into the biological possibilities of extended life.
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