Antarctic glass sponges are simple, porous organisms found in the cold, deep waters of the Antarctic Ocean. They can live for over 15,000 years, making them some of the longest-living animals on Earth.
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Greenland sharks are large, slow-moving sharks found in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Scientists estimate they live at least 250 years, possibly over 500 years! They grow at an exceptionally slow rate of about 0.4 inches per year.
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Bowhead whales are the longest-living mammals. They comfortably live over 100 years and may live more than 200 years. Mutations in genes involved in repairing damaged DNA and cell growth may help protect them from cancer and slow aging.
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Galápagos tortoises are among the largest tortoises in the world. Their massive size helps them store more water and fat, enabling them to survive long periods without food or water.
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Tuataras are reptiles endemic to New Zealand. They are often referred to as "living fossils" and can live for over 100 years. Some individuals in captivity have lived over 110 years, making them one of the longest-living reptiles in the world.
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The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile. It is found in the estuaries and river mouths of eastern India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. Saltwater crocodiles can live over 100 years.
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Rougheye rockfish are a long-lived species of rockfish found in the North Pacific Ocean. They can live for over 200 years, making them one of the longest-lived marine fishes.
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Geoducks are one of the largest burrowing clams in the world. They inhabit sandy or muddy substrates, where they filter feed on plankton. Some individuals have been known to live up to 168 years.
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Red sea urchins are echinoderms found along the Pacific coast of North America. They inhabit rocky reefs and kelp forests, where they feed on algae. Red sea urchins are known for their longevity, often living over 200 years.
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Ocean quahogs are clams found in the North Atlantic Ocean. One individual found off the coast of Iceland in 2006 was found to be an incredible 507 years old, making it the longest-living non-colonial animal known to science.
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