What animals have the longest natural lifespan?

Question

I understand that many animals are not expected to live long because of predators etc..., but what animals would live the longest if allowed to live their life to the point of a natural death?

Answer 1

When you say "natural" I assume you mean that the animal lived it life free from captivity.

The rougheye rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus) has been aged to 205 years. The age was determined by a validated method of counting the rings on the fish's otolith (which is similar to counting the rings of a tree). (Daniel, Durham, New Hampshire).

The Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica) — a clam — is perhaps oldest of all. We recently dredged up a specimen, from the mid Atlantic continental shelf, that had 220 annual growth rings. Biologists verified the specimen’s age using radiometric- dating techniques. That creature’s 220 years beats even the rockfish’s 205.



THe rougheye rockfish (Sebastes aleutianuns), found off the coast of Alaska, trumps the 177-year old giant tortoise. In the tortoise’s favor, though — she dwells in captivity. So, we know her age.

(Or do we? Charles Darwin captured Harriet, the tortoise, in 1835 when she was about 5 years old and took her to England. In 1841, the Beagle brought Harriet to Australia and left her in a botanical garden. Unfortunately, a 1920-flood destroyed all the garden’s animal records. So, we don’t know exactly how old Harriet is.)

Answer 2

I think the answer you are looking for is as follows: The animal with the slowest metabolism, with the strongest skeleton(or a complete lack of one) ... like the tortoise. Squids, knowing very little about them, are thought to live well over 200 years in the great depths of the ocean.... where there are no real predators.

Answer 3

Here is what Wikipedia has to say:

The maximum life span of each species is different. These differences demonstrate the role of genetics in determining maximum life span ("rate of aging"). The records are:

for mice 4;
for dogs 29;
for cats 38;
for goldfish 49[2]
for horses, 62;
for elephants, 78;
for humans, 122.5

The longest-lived vertebrates have been variously described as

tortoises (Galápagos tortoise) (193 years)
whales (Bowhead Whale) (about 210 years)

As for the LITTLE TROLL who is going around and putting thumbs down on everyone's ansers, GET A LIFE NOOB!!!

Answer 4

The giant tortoise lives the longest, about 177 years in captivity.

Answer 5

Bowhead whales can live for 200 years. It was recently discovered through ancient artifacts, stone spear points found in the blubber of the whales. This discovery along with scientific data from the amino acids taken from the whale's eye lens confirmed the age.

Answer 6

Lamellibrachia luymesi, a tube worm that reaches 3 meters long, is thought to live for over 250 years.

Answer 7

The giant tortoise lives the longest, about 177 years in captivity, and the gastrotrich (a minute aquatic animal) lives the shortest - three days.

Answer 8

Well according to the below link it is the giant tortoise who can live about 177 years in captivity. They also have a nice little table. enjoy

Answer 9

Parrots can live up to 50/100 years if well taken care of....small cats 20/25 years also if well taken care of if not im sorry

Answer 10

Galapagos tortoise lifespan has been recorded at over 150 yrs