The Fish That Lives Two Centuries

The rougheye rockfish can live for over 200 years, making it one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. This deep-sea resident could be swimming today even if it were born back in the year 1820.

Living in the cold, deep waters of the Pacific Ocean helps these fish maintain an incredibly slow metabolism, which is likely the secret to their longevity. A fish caught today might have been alive during the Napoleonic Wars and the birth of modern industry. While humans struggle to reach a single century, this resilient species simply keeps swimming for generation after generation. It is a true testament to how slow and steady really can win the race.