These fish may live for centuries
Researchers have found evidence that lake sturgeon may routinely live well beyond 200 years, with some approaching 300 years.
Researchers have discovered that lake sturgeon, one of North America's oldest freshwater fish, may live for centuries, potentially reaching ages of 300 years or more. This surprising conclusion, based on a study by Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, suggests that scientists have significantly underestimated the lifespan of these ancient creatures.
The study, which analyzed growth records from tagged fish, employed mathematical models similar to those used to estimate the remarkable lifespan of Greenland sharks. The findings have important implications for conservation, as lake sturgeon mature slowly, reproduce infrequently, and take decades to replace themselves. This research also underscores the value of long-term monitoring and the importance of Indigenous knowledge in understanding the extraordinary longevity of these fish.
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