Michigan’s Longest-Living Fish May Reach 300 Years Old

If Michigan wildlife were eligible for a senior discount, the lake sturgeon would probably get double-coupon status. A new Michigan State University (MSU) study suggests these giant Great Lakes fish may routinely live more than 200 years, with some possibly approaching 300 years old.

RELATED: 6-Foot Sturgeon Dumped on Michigan Road Like Roadkill

That means a sturgeon swimming around Michigan today could theoretically have been alive when people were still arguing over whether the colonies should separate from England.

Michigan Lake Sturgeon Are Really, Really Old

Michigan's largest fish species, the Lake Sturgeon, is seen swimming in fresh water with 6 FEET LONG and two yard sticks overlaid upon the image.

Scientists already knew lake sturgeon lived a long time. They may have just badly underestimated how long. For years, researchers estimated a sturgeon's age by counting growth rings in its fin spines. The problem is that those rings become harder to read as the fish gets older. Apparently, even sturgeon fins get confused after retirement age.

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MSU and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) researchers instead studied decades of records from tagged sturgeon in five Great Lakes populations. Their results suggest many fish can live past 200 years, and some may get close to 300.

Why Michigan Sturgeon Live So Long

three men holding fish during day

Lake sturgeon grow slowly, mature late, and don't reproduce very often. Researchers say understanding their true lifespan could help Michigan better protect and rebuild sturgeon populations.

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Even crazier, some Indigenous communities have long believed sturgeon can live up to 400 years, although researchers say more study is needed. So, next time you see a Michigan lake sturgeon, show some respect. That fish may be older than your house, your grandparents, and possibly America itself.