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Oldest Living Creatures
Do you know who is the oldest living creature? You will be amazed to know it is none other than a clam.
The oldest living clam (405 years), Arctica islandica was found while the Britain scientists were studying how the marine environment has changed in recent centuries. Unfortunately Arctica islandica clam (405 years) was died while scientists were counting annual growth rings after cutting through the shell (annual growth rings are counted to estimate their age). Marine biologists are uncertain why the particular species of clam, Arctica islandica, is so long-lived.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the current claim for the oldest animal goes to another Arctica clam that lived for 220 years, though an unofficial record is held by yet another that lived to 374 years old which is in German museum.
The Adwaitha Tortoise
British General Robert Clive had brought this tortoise to India when it was 250 years old. It lived 59 more years and became a special attraction in Alipore Zoological Park, Kolkata, India.
The Bowhead Whale
The oldest living mammals are bowhead whales living in Arctic Ocean. Their lifespan can be as long as 210 years.
The Koi Fish
Koi are colorful fishes usually found in the lakes of Japan. Some species in koi can live up to 200 years and Japanese use these fish for decoration. They consider them lucky.
Parrot Charlie
The oldest living parrot (108 years) belongs to blue and yellow macho. Usually the parrots of these species live up to 60 years. But this parrot is 108 years old and is in a sanctuary in Britain.
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12 Comments
Very interesting article and great pictures
Valli, this is great info. It’s amazing that clam is the oldest living creature.
Thanks for the comments, Icy and Louie
Fascinating information. Thank you, Valli.
Ah, very cool facts.
Thanks.
Interesting – my first guess would have been a turtle or a parrot. Sad that the clam died while it was being examined, or it might have beaten its own record!
Very interesting, valli! It’s hard to believe the age of some of these animals.
Great research.
those are all really old animals
I never knew that they could live to be that old…
This is sooo kewl! thanks a bunch!
Thank you everybody for reading and commenting.
Nice pictures! I learnt a lot!
I met a double yellow head parrot today 2/24/09 that was born in Jan.1915 that makes it 94 years old, WOW thats an old bird.