Meet Wels, the Fish that Could be the Oldest Living Creature on Earth

A catfish that could be the oldest living vertebrate on Earth has been found in Finland.

The female Wels catfish, named Vesikko, is estimated to be between 110 and 150 years old, making her older than most humans on the planet.

Vesikko was caught in Lake Saimaa, Finland, by a team of researchers from the Finnish Institute for Natural Resources. The team was conducting a study on the lake's fish population when they came across the giant catfish.

Vesikko is a member of the Siluridae family, which includes some of the largest freshwater fish in the world. Wels catfish can grow to be over 10 feet long and weigh over 500 pounds.

Vesikko's age was determined by radiocarbon dating of her eye lens. The lens of a fish's eye grows continuously throughout its life, so by measuring the amount of radioactive carbon in the lens, scientists can determine the fish's age.

Vesikko's age is remarkable because most Wels catfish live for only about 20 years. The oldest Wels catfish ever recorded was 88 years old.

Vesikko's longevity is likely due to a combination of factors, including her size, her habitat, and her diet. Wels catfish are apex predators, which means they are at the top of the food chain and have few natural predators.

Vesikko's habitat, Lake Saimaa, is one of the largest lakes in Europe and provides her with a vast and diverse food source. The lake is also home to a number of other large fish, which may have helped to protect Vesikko from predators.

Vesikko's diet is also likely a factor in her longevity. Wels catfish are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of fish, amphibians, and even small mammals.

Vesikko's discovery is a reminder of the incredible diversity and resilience of life on Earth. It is also a reminder that even the most common creatures can have extraordinary stories to tell.