15 Incredible Animals That Can Live For Over 100 Years

Some animals have amazing abilities to live longer than humans. In fact, some of them can live for over a century, and even more. Here are 15 examples of animals that can live for over 100 years, and some of the secrets behind their longevity.

#1. Seychelles giant tortoise

Source: Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/Getty Images

This is the oldest living land animal, with an estimated age of 190 years. Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise living on the island of St. Helena, holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest tortoise ever. Tortoises have a slow metabolism and can quickly kill off damaged cells that may cause aging.

#2. Red sea urchin

Source: National Geographic

Various species of these spiny creatures can live 100 years or longer without any signs of aging. Scientists think that their ability to regenerate their tissues and organs may be the key to their longevity.

#3. Bowhead whale

Source: National Geographic

This is the longest-living mammal, with a possible lifespan of over 200 years. Some bowhead whales have been found with stone harpoon tips embedded in their bodies, proving that they survived hunting attempts centuries ago. Bowhead whales have genes that protect them from cancer and oxidative stress.

#4. Rougheye rockfish

Source: Wikipedia

This is one of the longest-living fish, with an estimated lifespan of up to 205 years. Rougheye rockfish live in the deep waters of the North Pacific, where they grow slowly and have few predators. They also have high levels of antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes that may help them prevent aging.

#5. Freshwater pearl mussel

Source: BBC Wildlife Magazine

This is one of the longest-living invertebrates, with a record age of 250 years. Freshwater pearl mussels live in clean rivers and lakes in Europe and North America, where they filter water and provide habitat for other organisms. They have a complex life cycle that involves parasitizing fish for their larval stage, which may help them evade predators and environmental changes.

#6. Greenland shark

Source: National Geographic

This is the longest-living vertebrate, with an estimated lifespan of up to 400 years. Greenland sharks live in the cold waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, where they grow very slowly and reach sexual maturity at around 150 years. They have low metabolic rates and high levels of urea in their tissues that may act as natural antifreeze.

#7. Tubeworm 

Source: Wikipedia

This is one of the longest-living animals without a mouth or digestive system. Tubeworms live in symbiosis with bacteria that provide them with nutrients from deep-sea vents or cold seeps. Some species of tubeworms can live for over 500 years, such as Lamellibrachia luymesi and Escarpia laminata.

Related: The Weirdest And Most Wonderful Animal Facts

#8. Ocean quahog clam

Source: Flickr

This is the longest-living non-colonial animal, with a record age of 507 years. Ocean quahog clams live in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, where they burrow into the sediment and filter feed. They have low metabolic rates and high levels of antioxidants that may help them resist aging.

#9. Black coral

Source: The Hindu

This is one of the longest-living colonial animals, with an estimated lifespan of over 2000 years. Black corals are not true corals but belong to a group of animals called antipatharians. They form branching colonies in deep-sea habitats around the world. They grow very slowly and have few natural enemies.

#10. Glass sponge

Source: Wikipedia

This is another long-living colonial animal, with an estimated lifespan of over 10,000 years. Glass sponges are made of silica and form large reefs in cold waters such as Antarctica and Canada. They have simple body structures and low metabolic rates that may allow them to survive for millennia.

#11. Turritopsis dohrnii

Source: USA Today

This is also known as the immortal jellyfish, because it can revert to its juvenile stage after reaching sexual maturity. This process, called transdifferentiation, involves changing the cell type and function without undergoing cell division. Turritopsis dohrnii can repeat this cycle indefinitely, unless it dies from predation or disease.

#12. Hydra

Source: Wikipedia

This is a small freshwater polyp that can regenerate its entire body from a tiny piece of tissue. Hydra does not show any signs of aging or senescence, and has a constant mortality rate and fertility throughout its life. Hydra may live for over 1,400 years under ideal conditions. Hydra’s stem cells and telomeres may be responsible for its remarkable longevity.

#13. Koi fish

Source: Koi Story

This is a type of carp that can live for over 200 years in captivity. The oldest known koi fish was Hanako, who died in 1977 at the age of 226. Koi fish have a slow growth rate and a large body size that may help them resist diseases and predators.

#14. Lobster

Source: Wikipedia

This is a crustacean that can grow indefinitely as long as it can molt its shell. Lobsters do not show any signs of aging or senescence, and have a constant mortality rate and fertility throughout their life. The largest lobster ever caught weighed 44 pounds (20 kilograms) and was estimated to be 140 years old. Lobsters have high levels of telomerase, an enzyme that prevents DNA damage and cell aging.

#15. Galapagos giant tortoise

Source: Wikipedia

This is the largest living tortoise and one of the longest-living vertebrates. Galapagos giant tortoises can live for over 100 years in the wild and over 150 years in captivity. The oldest known Galapagos giant tortoise was Harriet, who died in 2006 at the age of 175. Galapagos giant tortoises have a slow metabolism and a large body size that may help them resist diseases and predators.

These are just some of the amazing animals that can live for over 100 years. They show us that aging is not inevitable, and that there may be ways to extend our own lifespan by learning from their biology. By studying their genes, cells, and metabolism, we may discover the secrets of longevity and how to apply them to humans. These animals also inspire us to appreciate the diversity and resilience of life on Earth, and to protect their habitats and ecosystems. They remind us that we are not the only ones who value a long and healthy life.

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