There are many such creatures in the world which are famous for their long life. These organisms have a very long lifespan and have also become a subject of research for scientists. Here are some of the world’s longest living creatures:
Here is a list of the top 10 longest-living creatures in the world:
1. Greenland Shark
- Lifespan: 300–500 years
- Habitat: Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans
These slow-growing sharks are among the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. Their slow metabolism and cold habitat contribute to their extraordinary lifespan.
2. Ocean Quahog (Ming Clam)
- Lifespan: 500+ years
- Habitat: North Atlantic Ocean
A specimen named “Ming” was found to be 507 years old. These bivalves grow slowly and can live for centuries.
3. Turritopsis dohrnii (Immortal Jellyfish)
- Lifespan: Potentially Immortal
- Habitat: Worldwide Oceans
Known as the “immortal jellyfish,” this creature can revert its cells to an earlier stage of life, theoretically avoiding natural death indefinitely.
4. Antarctic Sponge
- Lifespan: 10,000+ years (estimated)
- Habitat: Antarctic Ocean
These sponges grow incredibly slowly in freezing waters, allowing them to live for thousands of years.
5. Bowhead Whale
- Lifespan: 200+ years
- Habitat: Arctic and Subarctic Oceans
These whales are the longest-living mammals, with some individuals found with 19th-century harpoon tips still lodged in their bodies.
6. Black Coral
Lifespan: 4,000+ years
Habitat: Deep-sea coral reefs
Black corals grow slowly and can live for millennia, forming intricate, tree-like structures in deep oceans.
7. Galapagos Tortoise
- Lifespan: 150–200 years
- Habitat: Galápagos Islands
These giant tortoises are among the longest-living reptiles. A tortoise named “Harriet” lived to be 175 years old.
8. Koi Fish
- Lifespan: 200+ years
- Habitat: Ponds and freshwater habitats in Asia
A koi fish named “Hanako” was recorded to have lived 226 years, making it a symbol of longevity in Japanese culture.
9. Red Sea Urchin
- Lifespan: 200+ years
- Habitat: Pacific Ocean (coastal waters)
These sea urchins are found in cold waters and grow slowly, which contributes to their remarkable lifespan.
10. Lobsters
- Lifespan: 100+ years
- Habitat: Worldwide coastal waters
Lobsters do not show typical signs of aging and can continue growing throughout their lives, making them one of the longest-living crustaceans.
These creatures demonstrate fascinating biological adaptations that allow them to survive for centuries or even millennia, providing insights into longevity and resilience in extreme environments.
