As of 2025, the four longest-living animals on Earth are remarkable in their longevity. Here’s a list of the top contenders:
1. The Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)
- Lifespan: Over 500 years
- The ocean quahog is a type of clam, and the oldest known specimen, named “Matusalem,” was discovered to be over 500 years old. It’s believed that some of these clams can live for even longer, depending on the environment and their rate of growth.
2. The Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus)
- Lifespan: Up to 400 years
- The Greenland shark holds the title of the longest-living vertebrate known. Scientists have estimated their lifespan based on radiocarbon dating of their eye lenses. These sharks grow extremely slowly and reach sexual maturity around 150 years of age.
3. The Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)
- Lifespan: Up to 200 years
- Bowhead whales are known for their impressive lifespan, with some individuals living over 200 years. They are also one of the most resilient species, capable of surviving in the harsh Arctic environment, where they face minimal natural predators.
4. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea)
- Lifespan: Up to 180 years
- Aldabra giant tortoises are some of the longest-living land animals. They can live well over a century, with some individuals recorded to have lived beyond 180 years. These tortoises are native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles and have been known for their slow metabolism and resilient nature.
These animals not only defy the typical expectations of animal lifespans but also highlight how different species have evolved to thrive for centuries under various conditions!