Monday, April 9, 2007

Between 90 and 115 years old

This fish was caught in the Bering Sea, for easter dinner. Scientists believe it to be between 90 and 115 years old. The estimate came after NOAA scientists looked at growth rings in the fish's ear bone, or otolith.

The ability of the fish's reproduction was hindered by its excessive age.

The fish was hauled up from depths of 2,100ft. The fishermen were trying to catch pollock, because of the large nets that they use 10 other shortrackers were also pulled up. The fish in the picture was 44-inches long, and over 60 lbs. Her belly was large and her overies were filled with developing embyros.
This fish comes close to the oldest known limits for this species. The largest ever on record was 47 inches, and the oldest was 157 years old.

This has got to be one of the coolest things I have ever seen in my life. Not to mention one of the oldest species. The question is did this fish deserve to die? Deep net fishing is a problem all over for this very reason, fish and other species that are not of interest are caught and then killed and thrown back into the water because they have no monitary value to the fishermen. This fish didn't have to die especially with a belly full of babies. New laws or better enforcement of laws are needed to protect such amazing creature who have lived in the oceans for thousands of years. We have no right in killing such an awesome fish.

Source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/070406-oldest-fish.html

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