The ocean quahog ( Arctica islandica) is considered the oldest animal ever recorded. One particular ocean quahog, nicknamed "Ming," holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest non-colonial animal ever discovered. This clam lived for over 500 years.
Other Contenders for Longevity:
While the ocean quahog holds the record for age, several other sea creatures boast impressively long lifespans:
- Bowhead whales: These majestic creatures can live for over 200 years, making them one of the longest-lived mammals. Their lifespan is second only to that of the ocean quahog. Source: NOAA
- Deep-sea corals: Some deep-sea coral species have been found to live for thousands of years. One study found individuals over 4,000 years old. Source: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
- Glass sponges: Recent research suggests that some glass sponges in the Antarctic may also be extremely long-lived. One specimen was estimated to be one of the oldest living animals on the planet, though its exact age is still debated and not definitive. Source: IFAW
- Jellyfish: While individual jellyfish have short lifespans, as a group, they represent one of the oldest multi-organ animal groups, existing for at least 500 million years, and possibly over 700 million years. Source: Oldest.org
It's important to note that determining the exact age of many marine organisms is challenging, and research is constantly refining our understanding of their lifespans.
