A lungfish named Methuselah is the oldest fish held in captivity, with an estimated age between 92 and 101 years
Methuselah arrived on US soil in 1938, on a steamboat from Australia, along with 230 other fish. Today, scientists believe it’s a female, although they can’t be sure – is the only living fish out of all the ones that left the steamboat.
She was only a little fish back then, but she kept growing as the years passed and the aquarium life seemed to suit her. She was originally given the unofficial title of oldest fish in captivity back in 2017 when experts estimated her age at 84. However, more recent tests showed that Methuselah is even older than previously anticipated – at least 92 years old and up to 101.
Staff at the Steinhart Aquarium describe Methuselah as a happy, content fish, but scientists are curious to know if she actually feels or acts old, compared to younger fish. That’s tough to tell, but some experts believe geriatric fish do have some telltale signs – spinal changes, weight loss, cloudy eyes, and even a greying of the scales. However, none of these have been observed in Methuselah yet.
Methuselah and her species still hold plenty of secrets, but scientists are determined to uncover most of them. For now, we know that she is the oldest fish in captivity and that judging by how lively she looks, she may be holding onto the title for quite a while.
