The Immortal Depths: Unveiling the Longevity of Ocean Dwellers,
Picture Edit by (shehryar) The ocean, a vast expanse of mystery and wonder, is home to some of the most ancient creatures on our planet. Among these, the *Greenland Shark* stands out as the longest-living water animal, with an estimated lifespan that can extend up to *500 years* . These enigmatic giants of the deep grow at a mere *1cm per year*, reaching sexual maturity around the age of *150*. But the Greenland Shark is not alone in its longevity. The *Ocean Quahog* , a species of clam, is known to live for over *400 years*. One particular Ocean Quahog, named * Ming *, was dredged off the coast of Iceland and was determined to be **507 years old**¹, setting the record for the oldest animal in the world. These remarkable lifespans beg the question: what is their secret? It appears that a slow metabolism, often found in larger animals and those living in cold habitats, plays a crucial role. The frigid waters of the Arctic, for instance, provide the perfect environment for the Green