Longest lifespan for a fish

Based on findings from a 2016 study, the rarely seen Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) can live for 392 years – and perhaps even longer, making it not just the longest-lived fish, but also the longest-lived vertebrate overall. This deep-dwelling fish, which grows roughly only 1 centimetre (0.4 inches) per year and only becomes sexually mature at 150 years old, is widely distributed across the cold waters of the North Atlantic – an environment that is thought to contribute to its longevity.

The Greenland shark is also the most poisonous shark.

In contrast, the shortest life span for a fish is that of the seven-figure pygmy goby (Eviota sigillata), with an average life span of just 59 days.

The longest-lived animal overall is an invertebrate: a quahog clam (Arctica islandica) found in 2006 that was later estimated to be 507 years old.