In 2019, angler Stuart Black caught a buffalofish in Arizona’s Apache Lake, not realizing that these fish held a remarkable secret. Recent scientific studies confirmed that the majority of buffalofish in this remote desert lake are over a hundred years old, challenging previous beliefs about their lifespan.
Just a few years ago, scientists thought buffalofish only lived into their mid-20s. However, a 2019 study revealed that bigmouth buffalofish could live up to 112 years old, making them the oldest known freshwater teleost. Now, a new study confirms that two more buffalofish species, the smallmouth buffalo and the black buffalo, can also live over a hundred years.
The research, based on fish caught in Apache Lake, utilized a unique method to estimate the age of these fish. The scientists removed and analyzed tiny ear stones called otoliths, which form a new layer each year, similar to tree rings. The analysis showed that about 90 percent of Apache Lake’s buffalofish were over 85 years old, with some exceeding a hundred years.
What makes this discovery even more extraordinary is that buffalofish aren’t native to Arizona. They were introduced in 1918 as part of a U.S. Bureau of Fisheries plan to establish a commercial fishery. Despite the rugged desert environment, these fish have thrived and persisted for over a century.
Buffalofish have unique adaptations for their long life, going decades between successful reproductions due to specific environmental conditions needed for breeding. This longevity, according to scientists, is an evolutionary adaptation to cope with extended periods without reproducing.
Research into buffalofish longevity may offer insights into how vertebrates, including humans, can live longer. Scientists are intrigued by the fact that older buffalofish exhibit lower stress levels and stronger immunity than younger counterparts. Understanding the secrets behind their longevity could provide valuable information for enhancing human life expectancy.
