What Animal Live the Longest? Top 15 with the Longest Lifespan

Greenland Shark, one of the longest living creataures

When it comes to longevity in the animal kingdom, humans aren't the only creatures that can rack up decades (or even centuries) of life. Long-lived animals have always fascinated humans, and scientists have been studying these creatures to understand the secrets behind their longevity. From the immortal jellyfish to the longest-living mammals, these animals have evolved unique strategies to survive and thrive in their environments. In this article, we will explore the longest-living animals on Earth, their habitats, and the factors that contribute to their remarkable longevity. These creatures not only challenge our understanding of biology but also offer insights into how we might extend human lifespans.

Some animals live lives so long, they’re older than nations, outlast generations, and challenge our understanding of biology. In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 animals with the longest lifespan—from immortal jellyfish to 500-year-old clams. Along the way, we’ll answer questions like “what animal lives the longest?”, “what creature has the longest lifespan?”, and “how old is the oldest animal?”

So, let’s dive into the world of these extraordinary beings and uncover the secrets of their long lives.

Animals with the Longest Lifespan infographic by Wildlife Nomads

1. Immortal Jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii)

• Lifespan: Potentially infinite

• Habitat: Warm and temperate waters worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea

This tiny jellyfish may only be 4.5 mm long, but its abilities are the stuff of legend. Known as biologically immortal, this species can revert its cells back to their earliest form, essentially restarting its life cycle. While it can still die due to disease or predation, in theory, it can repeat this cycle indefinitely, earning it the title of the animal with the longest lifespan, at least in potential.

Immortal Jellyfish | Photo by Duangkamon

2. Glass Sponge

• Lifespan: Up to 15,000 years

• Habitat: All oceans globally, but they are particularly abundant in the Antarctic and Northern Pacific waters

Glass sponges, such as the Venus flower basket, are often considered the longest-living animals on Earth. Found in deep, cold waters like the Ross Sea in Antarctica and the East China Sea, these sponges can live for over 10,000 years, with some estimates reaching 15,000 years. Their slow growth and low metabolic rates in frigid environments contribute to their longevity. These ancient creatures, which predate the last Ice Age, challenge our understanding of life—they’re often mistaken for plants or rocks but are indeed animals. Their extreme age raises questions about how we define "living" versus merely existing, as their minimal activity might not align with our typical view of animal life.

Venus Flower Basket | Canva Images

3. Black Coral

• Lifespan: Up to 4,270 years

• Habitat: Found across all oceans, from tropical to polar regions, but they thrive primarily in deep, dark waters where sunlight is minimal.

Black corals, particularly those in the genus Leiopathes, are among the oldest marine animals. A specimen found in the deep ocean near Hawaii was estimated to be 4,270 years old, meaning it was alive during the time of Ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom. These corals, often mistaken for plants due to their rock-like formations, grow very slowly in the deep sea, where stable conditions and lack of predators allow them to thrive for millennia. Their longevity highlights the resilience of deep-sea ecosystems, but it also makes them vulnerable—slow growth means they recover poorly from damage caused by human activities like deep-sea mining.

Black Coral | Photo by Francesco Ungaro

4. Ocean Quahog Clam (Arctica islandica)

Lifespan: Up to 500+ years
Habitat: North Atlantic Ocean, seabeds

In 2006, scientists discovered a quahog clam off the coast of Iceland that was over 500 years old. Nicknamed “Ming” (it was born around the time the Ming Dynasty was thriving), this humble mollusk set a record for being one of the longest-living non-colonial animals ever recorded. However, natural conditions such as predation and diseases can significantly impact the ocean quahog's potential maximum age, preventing many from reaching such impressive lifespans.

Quahog Clams | Getty Images

5. Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus)

• Lifespan: Up to 400+ years

• Habitat: North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans

These mysterious deep-sea sharks are some of the most ancient vertebrates still swimming today. A study published in Science estimated that one individual was around 392 years old—possibly older. They reach sexual maturity at around 150 years, making them biological enigmas. Remarkably, Greenland sharks exhibit minimal signs of ageing, maintaining their health and reproductive capabilities even at an advanced age.

Greenland shark | Getty Images

6. Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)

• Lifespan: Over 200 years

• Habitat: Arctic and sub-Arctic waters

Bowhead whale lives are among the longest-living mammals. In fact, some individuals have been found with 19th-century harpoons embedded in their bodies, showing just how long they’ve been around. Many individuals have been found with harpoon fragments embedded in their blubber, providing evidence of their age and historical interactions with humans. Their slow metabolism and cold habitat may contribute to their remarkable longevity.

Bowhead Whale | Photo by Barbara Yuste

7. Rougheye Rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus)

• Lifespan: Up to 200+ years

• Habitat: North Pacific Ocean, commonly found along the Pacific coast

Living in deep waters, this species of rockfish can survive for over two centuries. Their slow growth rate and deep-sea lifestyle help them avoid many of the risks that shorten the lives of other fish. They’re another example of how marine life tends to have extended lifespans.

Rougheye Rockfish | Photo by Wirestock

8. Red Sea Urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus)

• Lifespan: Over 200 years

• Habitat: Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Baja California

Red sea urchins are also found in the cold waters off British Columbia, where they can live for over 200 years.

Don’t let their spiny appearance fool you—these creatures have hearts of iron (figuratively). Red sea urchins can live for over 200 years and show little sign of aging. Unlike humans, they don’t become weaker or more vulnerable as they age.

Red Sea Urchin | Photo by Nature Diver

9. Koi Fish (Cyprinus rubrofuscus)

• Lifespan: Commonly 30-50 years; up to 200+ years

• Habitat: Ponds and freshwater gardens

While many koi fish live just a few decades, some can live extraordinarily long lives. One famous koi named Hanako reportedly lived to 226 years, based on scale analysis. This makes them not just beautiful pets, but possible life companions for multiple generations. Koi are a domesticated variety of the common carp, known for their longevity and cultural significance in East Asia.

Koi Fish | Clliu

10. Tuataras (Sphenodon punctatus)

• Lifespan: Over 100 years

• Habitat: New Zealand

This reptile looks like a lizard but belongs to a distinct order that dates back to the dinosaurs. Tuataras grow slowly and don’t reach maturity until about 10-20 years old. They can live for over a century and are known for their low metabolic rates, which likely contribute to their longevity. Their slow pace of life, including extended periods of rest and a slow foraging process, also plays a role in their long lifespan.

Tuatara | Getty Images

11. Macaws

• Lifespan: 60 to 100 years

• Habitat: Central and South America

Among birds, macaws take the crown for longevity. These intelligent, colorful parrots can live up to a century when cared for properly. In the wild, their lifespan is typically lower due to predators and environmental threats, but in captivity, they’re known to outlive their owners. In the wild, macaws can survive for long periods due to their unique adaptations and social structures.

Scarlet Macaw | Photo by freder

12. Galapagos Tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra)

Lifespan: Over 100 to 175+ years
Habitat: Galapagos Islands

No list of long-living animals is complete without the Galapagos tortoise. These iconic creatures are not only enormous, but also reach a grand old age. One individual, named Harriet, lived to 176 years and was rumored to have been collected by Charles Darwin himself. The giant tortoise, including species like the Aldabra and Galapagos tortoises, are known for their impressive longevity and unique lifestyle.

Galapagos Tortoise | Photo by Jaclyn Babbage

13. American Lobster

• Lifespan: Up to 100 years

• Habitat: Distributed along the western North Atlantic, from Labrador, Canada, to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, with the highest concentrations in the Gulf of Maine and off southern New England, typically inhabiting rocky coastal waters to depths of 700 meters.

  Continues to grow and reproduce into old age, a phenomenon called indeterminate growth.

American Lobster | Photo by Roger Brown

14. Lake Sturgeon

• Lifespan: Up to 150 years

• Habitat: Found in freshwater systems of North America, primarily in the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River basins, ranging from southern Canada to Alabama, often residing in large rivers and lakes with soft bottoms at depths up to 15 meters.

These ancient fish are considered living fossils. The freshwater pearl mussels, another ancient species found primarily in the clean, cold waters of rivers and streams in Europe and North America, can live for over 250 years and play a critical role in river ecosystems.

Lake Sturgeon | Getty Images

15. African Elephant

• Lifespan: Up to 70 years

• Habitat: Found across sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting diverse environments such as savannas, forests, deserts, and wetlands, depending on the subspecies (bush elephants prefer open areas, while forest elephants live in dense tropical rainforests).

  Known as the longest-living land mammal after humans. Female African elephants reach breeding age around 10-12 years old and can remain fertile throughout their entire lives!

African elephant

Longest-Living Animals by Habitat

Land Animals

When it comes to longevity, some of the most impressive examples are found on land. Giant tortoises, for instance, are renowned for their incredible lifespans. The Aldabra giant tortoise, native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, can live up to 250 years in the wild. These tortoises have evolved slow metabolisms, which allow them to conserve energy and live longer. Their slow pace of life, combined with a diet rich in vegetation and a lack of natural predators, contributes to their remarkable longevity.

Another notable land animal is the African elephant, which can live up to 70 years. These majestic creatures reach breeding age around 10-12 years old and can remain fertile throughout their entire lives. Their long lifespan is attributed to their large size, social structures, and the protection provided by their herds. Elephants have complex social behaviors and strong family bonds, which play a crucial role in their survival and longevity.

Aquatic Animals

The ocean is home to some of the longest-living animals on Earth, thanks to its unique conditions that promote longevity. The ocean quahog, a type of clam found in the North Atlantic Ocean, holds the record for the longest-lived non-colonial animal. One individual, nicknamed “Ming,” was discovered to be over 500 years old. These clams have slow metabolisms and grow very slowly, which helps them conserve energy and live longer. Their ability to repair damaged cells also contributes to their impressive lifespans.

Bowhead whales are another example of long-lived aquatic animals. These magnificent creatures can live over 200 years, making them one of the longest-living mammals. Bowhead whales have a slow metabolism and live in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Their large size and thick blubber provide insulation and protection from the harsh environment, allowing them to thrive for centuries. Additionally, their ability to repair DNA damage and maintain healthy cells contributes to their remarkable longevity.

By studying these long-lived animals, scientists hope to uncover the secrets of their extended lifespans and apply these insights to promote healthy aging in humans. Whether it’s the slow metabolism of the tortoise or the cellular repair mechanisms of the ocean quahog, these animals have much to teach us about the art of living a long and healthy life.

Long-Living Invertebrates

Invertebrates, such as sponges, corals, and sea urchins, are often overlooked when it comes to longevity. Black corals, for instance, are some of the oldest living marine organisms, with lifespans exceeding 4,000 years. However, some species of invertebrates have been found to live for hundreds, even thousands, of years. For example, the Turritopsis dohrnii jellyfish is biologically immortal, meaning it can transform its body into a younger state through a process called transdifferentiation. This remarkable ability allows it to potentially live forever, making it one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Other invertebrates, such as the ocean quahog, can live for over 500 years, making them one of the longest-living animals on Earth. These invertebrates demonstrate that longevity is not limited to larger animals and that even the smallest creatures can have incredibly long lifespans.

Common FAQs

What Animal Lives the Longest?

Technically, the immortal jellyfish is the answer, although it’s a bit of a loophole since its biological reset button doesn’t guarantee immortality in the wild. Among measurable, individual lifespans, the ocean quahog and Greenland shark are the top contenders. Additionally, glass sponges are among the longest living organisms on Earth, with lifespans estimated to reach up to 15,000 years.

What Animal Can Live up to 1000 Years?

Currently, no scientifically verified animal has been recorded living 1000 years. However, the immortal jellyfish could theoretically do so by regenerating continuously—if it evades all natural threats. Additionally, black coral can live for over 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest marine organisms.

Which Animal Can Live Up to 500 Years?

Looking for a solo animal that hits the 500-year mark? The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) comes close, with a maximum lifespan reaching 400-500 years. A 2016 study in Science used radiocarbon dating on their eye lenses to confirm a female shark at 392 years, give or take 120 years. That means she was born around the time Shakespeare was writing plays!
How Old is the Oldest Animal?

The oldest individual animal ever recorded is Ming, the ocean quahog at 507 years. Scientists determine the age of ocean quahogs by counting growth rings in their shells, similar to how age is estimated in trees. The previous record for the oldest animal was held by a different species or individual. But if we include colonial organisms, glass sponges steal the show at 11,000 years. For a living vertebrate, the Greenland shark’s 392-year-old female is the oldest confirmed, though some unverified claims suggest bowhead whales might hit 211 years.

Why Do Some Animals Live So Long?

When we think about extreme longevity, our minds often go straight to tortoises or whales. But the question that really intrigues scientists and nature-lovers alike is: Why do some animals live so long in the first place? What biological, environmental, and evolutionary quirks have allowed certain creatures to outlive others by decades—or even centuries?

Turns out, there’s no single answer. Longevity is shaped by a fascinating combination of factors including metabolism, habitat, genetics, and reproductive strategy. Certain species can achieve significantly longer lifespans when they are provided with the right environment. Let’s take a closer look at what really makes the animals with the longest lifespan so incredibly long-lived.

Metabolism: The Slow Burn That Lasts

One of the most significant factors influencing lifespan is metabolic rate—how fast or slow an organism burns energy. Generally speaking, animals with slower metabolisms tend to age more slowly. A slower metabolism can lead to slower growth rates and potentially longer lifespans, as lower metabolic rates are associated with reduced oxidative damage and a slower aging process. Think of it like a candle: the slower it burns, the longer it lasts.

This is why the animal that lives the longest, like the bowhead whale or Greenland shark, often has a low metabolic rate. These deep-sea creatures spend their days slowly cruising through frigid waters, conserving energy and avoiding metabolic stress. In contrast, animals with fast metabolisms—like shrews or mice—live fast and die young.

This “rate of living” theory has been supported by various studies, especially in ectothermic (cold-blooded) species. For example, turtles and tortoises, which regulate their metabolism based on environmental temperatures, often live for more than a century. What creature has the longest lifespan? More often than not, it’s one that doesn’t rush through life.

Habitat: Deep, Dark, and Safe

Where an animal lives also plays a huge role in its potential lifespan. Many long-living species are found in North America, where diverse habitats contribute to their longevity. Deep-sea habitats, icy arctic zones, and isolated islands provide unique conditions that often promote longevity. Why? These environments are generally low in predators, have fewer diseases, and promote a slower pace of life. Colder waters, such as those in British Columbia and Iceland, contribute to the longevity of species like red sea urchins and ocean quahog clams due to their slower metabolic rates.

Take the Greenland shark, for example. Living at depths of 2,000 meters in near-freezing water, it’s safe from most predators and its metabolism is so slow that it only reaches sexual maturity around 150 years old. No rush when you’re practically immortal, right?

Likewise, the ocean quahog clam, another contender for the longest-living animal, thrives buried beneath the seabed in cold North Atlantic waters. The clam’s shell grows incredibly slowly—sometimes just a fraction of a millimeter a year—mirroring its sluggish aging process.

Cold temperatures, darkness, and stable environments minimize cellular damage and oxidative stress, making these creatures biological time capsules from a world long gone.

Genetics: Built for the Long Haul

You can’t talk about the animals with the longest lifespans without diving into genetics. According to Scientific American, some species are genetically wired for extended life. This includes enhanced DNA repair mechanisms, resistance to oxidative damage, and superior cellular maintenance systems.

For instance, the naked mole rat—a weird little underground rodent—has a remarkably long lifespan for a mammal of its size (over 30 years). Its cells are unusually resistant to cancer, and its genes produce high levels of hyaluronan, a molecule that helps prevent tumors and inflammation.

Similarly, tortoises, which regularly live past 100, show fewer signs of aging at the genetic level, maintaining muscle mass, organ function, and reproductive capacity well into their later years. Their telomeres (the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age) degrade more slowly, delaying the aging process at a cellular level.

So if you’re wondering what animal lives the longest, the answer is usually one that has aced nature’s version of anti-aging gene therapy.

Reproductive Strategy: Slow and Steady

Another fascinating piece of the longevity puzzle is reproductive timing. Animals that take a long time to reach sexual maturity tend to live longer lives. Why? Because evolution has fine-tuned them to prioritize long-term survival over rapid reproduction. The immortal jellyfish, Turritopsis dohrnii, exemplifies this with its ability to revert to the polyp stage after reaching maturity, essentially resetting its life cycle and potentially living indefinitely.

This is known as K-selection in evolutionary biology. Species that follow this strategy—like elephants, whales, and sharks—tend to have fewer offspring, invest more in each one, and live longer lives. It’s a slow and steady approach to life, in stark contrast to species like rabbits or frogs, which reproduce quickly and die young (a strategy called r-selection). For instance, African elephants reach breeding age around 10-12 years old and can remain fertile throughout their entire lives.

The bowhead whale, which holds the record for the longest-living mammal, doesn’t reach sexual maturity until it’s about 25 years old, and yet it can live more than 200 years. It’s a classic case of delayed gratification paying off in the evolutionary long run.

So… Why the Long Life?

In a nutshell, the world’s longest-living animals owe their extended lifespans to a combination of:

• Low metabolic demands

• Protective or isolated environments

• Incredibly resilient genetics

• A slow path to reproduction and maturity

These factors don’t just work in isolation—they interact in intricate ways, producing animals that seem to defy aging entirely. Certain animals are recognized as the world's longest-living creatures due to their exceptional traits and significance. And while humans are working on our own longevity hacks, nature figured it out millions of years ago. From the icy depths to underground burrows, the secrets to long life are all around us—if we know where to look.

The Longest-Living Animals on Earth

In conclusion, the longest-living animals on Earth are a fascinating group of creatures that have evolved unique strategies to survive and thrive in their environments. From the immortal jellyfish to the longest-living mammals, these animals have adapted to their habitats in remarkable ways. By studying these animals, scientists can gain insights into the secrets of longevity and how to promote healthy aging in humans. Whether it’s the slow metabolism of the tortoise or the ability of the jellyfish to transform its body into a younger state, these animals have much to teach us about the art of living a long and healthy life. Their remarkable lifespans remind us of the incredible diversity and adaptability of life on Earth, and they inspire us to continue exploring the mysteries of longevity.