Facts about the oldest fish
Across our waters, there are a number of species that have adapted through time and have seen the world change around them. Some have been part of life on Earth for generations – and can even live decades, if not centuries, themselves.
From fish who call freshwater, like ponds and streams, home, to those who live in salty seawater in our seas and oceans, a number of species have stood the test of time and have an extraordinary life span. But have you ever been curious as to which fish is the oldest in the world?
Here, BBC Bitesize takes a deeper dive to look at the species with the longest lifespan and why it has lived so long. We’ve also taken a closer look at several other fascinating fish that have survived many years.
What is the oldest fish in the world?
There are many different types of fish that have called our waters home for centuries. But which species has the longest lifespan in the world?
This is believed to be the Greenland shark, which is also, in fact, the oldest vertebrate. It was back in 2016 that scientists found one female Greenland shark that they estimated to be around 400 years old.
Primarily living in North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, the huge sharks can grow up to 5m in length. An exact reason for their long lifespan can be hard to pinpoint, but some suggest it is due to the cold environment they live in or even their metabolism.
How old is the oldest fish in captivity?
While there are many long-living fish species across the ocean, some are more endangered than others or even live in captivity. If you’re curious as to which fish is the oldest aquarium-based fish in the world, it is a four-foot-long lungfish called Methuselah.
Similar to the oldest tree in the world, as well as the oldest star in the universe, the fish gets its name from the biblical patriarch Methuselah. Grandfather to Noah, Methuselah was the longest-living figure in the Bible, living for 969 years.
In 1938, Methuselah was transported from Australia to Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco, USA, where they have lived ever since. In 2023, genetic testing to determine Methuselah’s age estimated the fish to be between the age of 92 and 101 at the time.
What other fish species live the longest?
In our many waters across the world live a number of different fish species who have a long-life span – far too many to list. Whether it be their genetics or due to the cold conditions they live in and more, there are a lot of species that live for decades, if not longer.
One species known for its long lifespan is the rougheye rockfish, a deep-sea fish which can live for over 200 years.
Another is the bigmouth buffalo, which is said to be the world’s longest-lived freshwater fish. These huge fish can weigh more than 50lb (23kg) and some live for over a century.
Also known as the rock sturgeon, the lake sturgeon fish is another fascinating fish which can live for a long time. Experts say males can reach up to the age of 80, whereas females can live past 100 years, sometimes reaching 150 years old.
The orange roughy is also known for its extraordinary lifespan. Also known as the red roughy, this species can live to be around 200 years old.
Found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, it can be rare to see a sharptail mola in the wild. But if you do, it’s interesting to know that males can live up to around 85 years old, with females having an average lifespan of around 105 years.
Extremely popular, koi fish have long been featured across different Asian folklores, often symbolising strength and courage. If well cared for, they can live for decades – but some have reportedly lived much longer.
How old was the oldest koi fish?
As mentioned earlier, koi fish can have a longer lifespan than other fish species, living up to around 40 years old. However, one famous koi is said to have lived over five times this age.
Arguably the most famous koi fish in history, Hanako lived in Japan and died in 1977 when she was believed to be 226 years old. This meant Hanako would have been born around 1751.
Through the years, her longevity has been disputed – but today she is still believed by many to be the longest-lived koi fish to ever be recorded.
What is the oldest goldfish ever?
Goldfish have long been a common household pet, loved by generations of families. Usually, with good water conditions and care, they can live to around a decade if not a few years more.
But some are quite the anomaly. This includes Tish the goldfish – who lived to be 43 years old.
Won at a fairground stall in 1956 by seven-year-old Peter Hand, from North Yorkshire, Tish passed away on 6 August 1999, a year after being certified as the oldest goldfish ever and today, still holds the title by Guinness World Records.
This article was written in December 2025
