Living to be one hundred years old is an impressive milestone for humans, but in the diverse world of animals, there are species for whom this is just a part of their lifespan.
Factors such as an extremely slow metabolism, living in protected environments (like the deep sea), efficient cellular repair mechanisms, or unique biological traits enable them to reach extraordinary ages.
Here are 10 animals that easily surpass the 100-year mark—or even far exceed it.
1. The Ocean Quahog – over 500 years old
This bivalve mollusk (Arctica islandica), found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, is the undisputed longevity champion in the animal kingdom. Scientists have discovered specimens whose age, determined by counting the annual growth rings on their shells (similar to tree rings), was estimated at over 500 years.
Their extremely slow metabolism and life in stable, cold deep-sea environments contribute to this incredible lifespan.
2. The Greenland Shark – over 400 years old
This large, slow-moving shark (Somniosus microcephalus) lives in the cold, deep waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. By analyzing carbon isotopes in the eye lenses of captured specimens, scientists have estimated its maximum lifespan at over 400 years, making it the longest-living known vertebrate. They grow extremely slowly and reach sexual maturity at around 150 years of age.
3. Giant Tortoises – over 150 years old
Various species of giant land tortoises, such as the Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) and the Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), are known for their long lifespans, with 100 years being common and individuals living beyond 150 years not unusual. The most famous example is Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise (a subspecies of Aldabra) living on Saint Helena, who is estimated to be over 190 years old.
4. The Red Sea Urchin – over 200 years
This sea urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus), found along the Pacific coast of North America, can live surprisingly long. Studies have shown that individuals in deeper, colder waters can reach ages over 200 years, while showing few signs of aging and retaining reproductive capacity.
5. The Bowhead Whale – over 200 years
This massive Arctic baleen whale (Balaena mysticetus) can live well over 100 years, with some individuals estimated to exceed 200 years. Analysis of amino acids in their eye lenses and the discovery of ancient harpoon heads in recently caught whales support these high ages. Their low body temperature, slow metabolism, and cold-water habitat likely contribute to their longevity.
6. Koi Carp – over 200 years
Although the average lifespan of a koi carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus var. koi) is around 25–35 years, there are well-documented cases of exceptionally old individuals, especially in Japan, where they are highly cherished. The most famous is ‘Hanako‘, a scarlet koi said to be 226 years old at the time of her death in 1977—though this claim is difficult to verify scientifically.
7. The Tuatara – over 100 years
This unique reptile (Sphenodon punctatus) from New Zealand is the only surviving member of an ancient order of reptiles and can easily live beyond 100 years, with some estimates reaching 120 years or more. Tuataras grow extremely slowly, reach sexual maturity late (sometimes after 20 years), and have a very low metabolism—especially since they can be active at relatively low temperatures for a reptile.
8. Coral Colonies – thousands of years old
Although an individual coral polyp may not live extremely long, the colonies they form—especially those of long-living species such as some deep-sea black corals (Leiopathes spp.) and stony corals—can continue growing for thousands of years. Radiocarbon dating of their skeletons has revealed ages over 4000 years, making these colonies some of the oldest continuously living organisms on Earth.
From the icy deep sea to remote islands and tropical reefs, these animals show that exceptional longevity is possible through a variety of evolutionary strategies. They offer fascinating insights into the biology of aging, cellular longevity mechanisms, and the incredible adaptability of life on Earth.
