The Methuselah of the Bible lived 969 years. Scientists estimate that Methuselah the fish is probably just 90 years old, which is almost as ancient for a fish that has lived his life as an aquarium.
The “his" is speculative. The scientists at the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco aren’t sure if Methuselah is male or female. This fish can be difficult to sex.
The Associated Press informs readers that the 4-foot long Methuselah is an Australian lungfish—a species known for its long lifespans. It’s an evolutionary oddity, having both functional lungs and gills. Scientists think that Methuselah and his/her kin bridge an evolutionary gap between fish and amphibians.
Photo: California Academy of Sciences