Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Great Lakes Sturgeon May Be Over 400 Years Old, Study Suggests

A recent study proposes that lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes may live exceptionally long lives, potentially over 400 years for males, revising current understanding of fish longevity.

The research suggests male lake sturgeon could live up to 435 years, nearly tripling the previously recorded oldest. Experts stress the need for further research to confirm these estimates.

Lake sturgeon, ancient fish, are the largest in the Great Lakes, typically 4-6 feet long. Their previously estimated lifespan was 50-100 years, with a 154-year-old specimen being the oldest known.

Aging wild fish is challenging. Growth rings on scales or fin spines become indistinguishable in long-lived sturgeons.

This study used a capture-mark-recapture method, analyzing data from thousands of sturgeon tagged and monitored between 1980 and 2024.

By calculating growth rates and accounting for age-related declines, researchers estimated ages. Some larger individuals were estimated up to 435 years for males and 292 for females.

These lifespans rival Greenland sharks, suggesting lake sturgeon may be the longest-living freshwater fish. Winter torpor may contribute to longevity.

The findings are crucial for conservation, as sturgeon populations have drastically declined. Their slow reproduction makes recovery challenging, requiring strict harvest limits.

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