Rougheye Rockfish

Living in the deep, cold waters of the Pacific Ocean, the rougheye rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus) is one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. This slow-growing fish routinely reaches ages of 120 to 140 years, with the oldest recorded specimen being 205 years old. Its extreme longevity is attributed to its frigid habitat, low metabolism, and slow reproductive cycle. Named for the spines on its lower eyelid, this fish exemplifies nature's ability to achieve remarkable age in the deep sea's stable, cold environment.