Buried quietly beneath the seabed of the North Atlantic lives a mollusc with a lifespan that rivals human civilization. The ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) is a species of clam renowned for its extraordinary longevity, with some individuals living more than 400 years. One famous specimen, nicknamed Ming, was recorded at over 500 years old, making it one of the oldest known non-colonial animals on Earth.
These clams grow at an exceptionally slow pace, forming annual growth rings in their shells, much like trees produce rings to mark each year of life. Scientists can count these rings with remarkable precision to determine the clam’s age. Ming was already centuries old when modern science first discovered it, meaning it had witnessed the rise and fall of empires long before most modern nations existed.
Ocean quahogs thrive in cold, stable marine environments, where temperatures remain near freezing and conditions are relatively constant. Their longevity is linked to a sluggish metabolism and an impressive ability to resist cellular damage over time. Studies of their tissues reveal remarkably low levels of oxidative stress, a process that contributes to aging in many organisms. In essence, their bodies age at a glacial pace, allowing them to survive centuries while many other species complete their life cycles in just a few years.
Unlike fast-living species that reproduce quickly and die young, quahogs prioritise maintenance over rapid growth or reproduction. They remain largely sedentary, filter-feed quietly from the surrounding water, and avoid the constant biological stress that shortens the lifespan of many animals. This slow and steady approach appears to be the key to their remarkable endurance.
Beyond their biological marvel, ocean quahogs play an important role in scientific research. The annual rings in their shells serve as natural records of ocean conditions, providing clues about historical climate patterns, water temperatures, and even ocean chemistry over the centuries. By studying these shells, scientists can reconstruct environmental changes stretching back hundreds of years, offering a unique perspective on climate history.
In this way, the humble ocean quahog is not just a survivor of time but also a silent chronicler of it. It stands as a testament to the power of slow living, resilience, and adaptation. From surviving the age of empires to offering vital insights into the history of our oceans, the ocean quahog remains one of nature’s most extraordinary and enduring creatures.
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