Discovery of Exceptionally Long-Lived Fish in an Unlikely Location
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding some of the world’s oldest animals in an unexpected locale: fishes in the desert of Arizona. This research identified a unique genus of animals containing at least three species that live beyond a century. This discovery holds promising implications for various research fields, especially those exploring gerontology, vertebrate aging, and insights into longevity.
Significance and Identification Challenges
The focal point of this study is the Ictiobus genus of fishes, commonly known as buffalofishes. Three species, namely bigmouth buffalo, smallmouth buffalo, and black buffalo, are native to Minnesota. The importance of this study is magnified considering these species are often incorrectly identified and grouped with invasive species like carp. Consequently, many fishing regulations, including those in Minnesota, fail to adequately protect these fishes. This oversight potentially hinders our understanding of aging and longevity.
Research Approach and Techniques
The study, recently published in Scientific Reports, was conducted by the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). The research team comprised Dr. Alec Lackmann from UMD, scientists from North Dakota State University, and a group of conservationist anglers from the Apache Lake reservoir in Arizona.
Lackmann expressed the potential wealth of information on aging and longevity that the Ictiobus genus might provide. His prior research in 2019 had redefined the previously believed lifespan of bigmouth buffalo from about 25 years to over a century using a sophisticated aging technique. Instead of examining the fish’s scales, scientists now study the otoliths or earstones inside the fish’s skull. Almost 97% of fish species possess otoliths, which accumulate a new layer annually, similar to tree rings, enabling scientists to determine a fish’s age.
Research Outcomes and Conservation Initiatives
Key findings of this study include:
- An extraordinary longevity observed in freshwater fishes, with three species living over a century. Over 90% of the buffalofishes in Apache Lake are above 85 years old.
- Indications that some buffalofishes from a 1918 stocking in Arizona could still be alive.
- Insights into catch-and-release angling of buffalofishes that contribute to both fisheries knowledge and our understanding of their identification and recapture, particularly those with distinct markings.
- A collaborative effort between the general public and scientists has resulted in comprehensive scientific education and outreach.
These buffalofishes are indigenous to central North America, including Minnesota. However, the fishes studied were found in Apache Lake in the desert southwest. Tracing back their origins, these buffalofishes were bred in the Mississippi River region and introduced to Roosevelt Lake in Arizona in 1918. Apache Lake’s fish populations remained relatively undisturbed until anglers developed techniques to consistently catch buffalofishes.
Upon noticing distinctive markings on many caught fishes, anglers turned to Lackmann’s prior studies. An invitation led Lackmann to Apache Lake, where collected fishes were offered for scientific examination. Through detailed analysis, Lackmann discovered some buffalofishes likely from the 1918 stocking were possibly still alive. Moreover, the three buffalofish species in the lake were found to be over 100 years old—a longevity phenomenon unparalleled in freshwater fish worldwide.
Lackmann envisions a promising future in researching these fish, believing they can offer invaluable insights into various scientific domains. Studying their DNA, physiology, and resilience could greatly benefit gerontology research, positioning Apache Lake as a pivotal site for diverse scientific studies.
Source Details:
“Centenarian lifespans of three freshwater fish species in Arizona reveal the exceptional longevity of the buffalofishes (Ictiobus)” by Alec R. Lackmann, Stuart A. Black, Ewelina S. Bielak-Lackmann, and Jeffrey A. Lackmann, 20 October 2023, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44328-8.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: longevity
Where were the world’s oldest animals discovered?
They were discovered in the desert of Arizona, specifically in fishes living in Apache Lake.
Which species of fishes were the primary focus of the study?
The primary focus was on the Ictiobus genus of fishes, commonly known as buffalofishes, including the bigmouth buffalo, smallmouth buffalo, and black buffalo.
Why is this discovery significant for the field of gerontology?
The discovery of fishes living beyond a century provides new insights into longevity and has the potential to expand research in gerontology, which is the study of aging.
What technique is now used to determine the age of these fishes?
Instead of examining the fish’s scales, scientists study the otoliths or earstones inside the fish’s skull. These otoliths accumulate a new layer annually, similar to tree rings, allowing scientists to determine a fish’s age.
How did conservationist anglers contribute to this research?
When conservationist anglers noticed unique markings on the fishes they caught in Apache Lake, they referenced Dr. Alec Lackmann’s prior studies. They invited Lackmann to the lake, where the collected fishes were then offered for scientific examination.
Is the longevity observed in these fishes common among freshwater species?
No, such longevity across multiple freshwater fish species is unparalleled, making this discovery exceptionally significant.
What are the implications of this study for future research?
The study suggests that these long-lived fish species can offer invaluable insights into DNA, physiology, resilience, and other areas, benefiting gerontology research and positioning Apache Lake as a pivotal site for diverse scientific studies.
More about fokus keyword: longevity
- Groundbreaking Study on Fish Longevity
- Dr. Alec Lackmann’s Previous Research
- Introduction to Gerontology
- Apache Lake Conservation Initiatives
- Understanding Fish Otoliths
- Historical Stocking in Roosevelt Lake
- General Information on Buffalofishes
