Maximum longevity of the Australian Lungfish revealed by oldest living fish in captivity.

What is it about?

The maximum age, longevity, lifespan or life expectancy of wildlife is often unknown or difficult to estimate, however, is critical to modern conservation planning and management approaches. Traditional estimates of maximum age are challenging to calculate due to sampling errors, variability within populations and many genomic and environmental factors. This research demonstrates the use of an epigenetic clock, that measure levels of DNA methylation, to predict age in a long lived freshwater fish species.

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Why is it important?

This new molecular technique offers many advantages over traditional ageing techniques, including being non-lethal, accurate and cost effective. Such a molecular tool will revolutionize fish population and conservation management into the future.