8. Rougheye rockfish
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, rougheye rockfish are among the longest-living animals and have a maximum lifespan of at least 205 years.
Found in coastal waters from Japan to California, rockfish are a colorful group of over 120 species in the genus Sebastes, living at depths between 500 and 1,500 feet. Some rockfish species only live for a few decades, but it’s the rougheye rockfish species that can live for more than 200 years.
According to some studies, this fish’s longevity comes from its habitat and size. When it comes to achieving longer lifespans, experts have found that bigger organisms often have an advantage as they have a slower metabolism and are less vulnerable to predation.
Similarly, colder environments can slow a critter’s metabolism; in the rougheye rockfish case, frigid water makes it possible for them to survive for two centuries, making them one of the longest-living animals in the world.
We hope you enjoyed our article on the longest-living animals; feel free to also explore 5 Surprising Mammals That Lay Eggs.
