7 Fascinating Animals That Can Live For Centuries

When it comes to longevity, the tortoise often takes the spotlight but it’s far from the only creature capable of living for centuries. Nature has produced many incredible species that can outlive humans by hundreds of years. From the depths of the Arctic Ocean to coral-covered seabeds, these animals show how life can slow down and stretch far beyond the limits we know.

1. Immortal Jellyfish

The Turritopsis dohrnii, famously known as the “immortal jellyfish,” has the unique ability to revert to its younger form when injured or under stress. This biological process allows it to essentially start life over, making it potentially immortal a fascinating example of nature’s resilience.

2. Glass Sponge

Deep in the cold ocean lies the glass sponge, a creature that can live for more than 10,000 years. With a body made of silica, these sponges grow extremely slowly and have been found on seafloors older than recorded human history.

3. Rougheye Rockfish

This Pacific Ocean fish has one of the longest lifespans of any vertebrate, living over 200 years. Its slow metabolism and deep-sea environment help preserve its longevity, proving that a quiet life beneath the waves has its benefits.

4. Koi Fish

In Japan, koi fish are seen as symbols of good fortune and long life. While most koi live up to 40 years, one named Hanako lived for 226 years, becoming one of the oldest recorded fish in history.

5. Bowhead Whale

These Arctic giants can live for more than 200 years. Scientists have discovered old harpoon tips embedded in some whales, proving they’ve survived centuries of hunting and environmental change.

6. The Greenland Shark

This mysterious Arctic predator grows slowly and can live up to 500 years, making it the longest-living vertebrate on the planet. Some Greenland sharks swimming today may have been alive during the reign of Shakespeare!

7. Black Coral

Living deep beneath the sea, black corals grow incredibly slowly, some colonies are over 4,000 years old. These ancient organisms silently preserve the secrets of Earth’s past within their layered structures.

From jellyfish that escape death to sharks that outlive entire generations, these animals redefine what longevity means. Their existence is a reminder of nature’s mystery and how life, when slowed to perfection, can last for millennia.