Methuselah: New DNA Analysis Suggests World's Oldest Aquarium Fish Could be Over 100 Years Old

Methuselah, the world's oldest aquarium fish, could be over 100 years old as opposed to previous estimates that the Australian lungfish was in her 80s or 90s, according to new DNA analysis.

The aquarium fish first arrived in the United States aboard an ocean liner and was transported at San Francisco's Steinhart Aquarium during the late 1930s. Since 2017, she unofficially held the title of the oldest fish living in an aquarium until now.

Named after the biblical figure who lived for more than 900 years, Methuselah's arrival in the US coincided with some of history's most unforgettable events, including the aftermath of the Great Depression and before the start of World War II.

While we have recorded these historical events, there was no clear record regarding the age of Methuselah the fish. The main reason for this mystery is that there is no method at that time to determine her age.

Methuselah Could be Older

Methuselah is still swimming and thriving in an aquarium located at the California Academy of Sciences, wherein during its press release on September 18, revealed the estimated age of the beloved Australian lungfish. Based on the DNA analysis led by CSIRO's Dr. Ben Mayne and Seqwater's Dr. David Roberts, the estimated age of Methuselah is around 92, which is higher than her previous estimated age of 84.

Despite the estimation, the Cal Academy also stated the possibility that the said aquarium fish can be much older with an estimated upper age limit of 101 years old. After all, this is possible as Methuselah outlived the 231 other fish from Australia and Fiji that arrived with her in San Francisco, according to the Smithsonian Magazine.

To determine the exact potential age of the marine animal, scientists collected samples from 32 other lungfish individuals across the US and Australia. The samples include Cal Academy's two other lungfish with ages 50 and 54.

The significant discovery surrounding the fish's age has been made possible today since technology surrounding DNA and genetics in general during the 1930s was non-existent.

Also Read: Oldest Moss Takakia in Himalayas Growing for 390 Million Years Risks Extinction to Climate Breakdown

Are Australian Lungfish Endangered?

The Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), sometimes called the Queensland lungfish, is the oldest known living vertebrate species with ancestors dating back 380 million years ago, according to Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species (FAME). N. forsteri is one of the six lungfish species in the world and they are sometimes referred as "living fossils" due to their ancient fossil record.

The Australian lungfish is designated as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), meaning their population is declining and this makes them subjected to conservation and protection efforts from fishing.

The sea creature's name "lungfish" is derived from its unique ability to breathe air using one lung to breathe air to the surface of the water, especially during dry periods or the water quality changes, according to the Australian Museum.