Arizona Buffalofishes Can Live Over 100 Years, Study Shows

When most people think of long-lived animals, fish are not what spring to their minds. However, a new study from the University of Minnesota Duluth has revealed that three species of buffalofishes found in Arizona can live to be over 100 years old. These freshwater fish are only the second genus that scientists have discovered to have three or more species whose lifespans can exceed a century. The three species that have been found to reach centenarian status are bigmouth buffalofish, smallmouth buffalofish, and black buffalofish. 

The buffalofish populations that the researchers investigated are found in Arizona’s Apache Lake. This man-made reservoir was created in 1927. However, buffalofishes are not native to the desert region. Their native range spans central North America. Instead, these fishes were introduced to Arizona in 1918. After Apache Lake’s creation, the fish made their way downstream and into its waters where they have thrived. Amazingly, study results have revealed that it is highly likely that some of the original buffalofishes introduced to the region in 1918 are still alive today.  

Anglers in the region became curious about Apache Lake’s buffalofishes after noticing that some of the fish they were catching had unique markings. After uncovering prior research regarding the longevity of these introduced species, they partnered with buffalofish researchers to further their investigations.

Scientists used otoliths, or earstones, to reveal the age of the buffalofishes. These tiny structures develop new layers each year. This makes them remarkably useful in discovering a fish’s age. By counting the layers on thin cross-sections taken from the otoliths, scientists were able to ascertain the age of a sampling of Apache Lake’s buffalofishes.

Not only did researchers find that some of the lake’s original buffalofishes are most likely still alive, but also that more than 90 percent of Apache Lake’s buffalofishes are over 85 years old. Researchers are not yet sure what enables these fish to live for so long but are curious to learn more. 

There is still so much to discover about the natural world. Sadly, due to Climate change, Pollution, and habitat destruction, many species are disappearing at alarming rates. Sign this petition to Protect Biodiversity!

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