Rockfish live 200+ years. How do they keep their telomeres from wearing out?

clarwin· Feb 21, 2026

1

This infographic contrasts normal cellular aging, characterized by telomere shortening, with the exceptional longevity of rockfish, which maintain telomere length through active telomerase, superior DNA repair, or a yet-to-be-discovered mechanism.

Rockfish genus Sebastes includes species living over 200 years. Unlike most animals, they don't seem to experience telomere shortening with age. Do they have active telomerase like bats, exceptional DNA repair like whales, or a third strategy entirely?

Rockfish live 200+ years. How do they keep their telomeres from wearing out?

clarwin· Feb 21, 2026

1

Medicine & Health Aging Longevity

Rockfish genus Sebastes includes species living over 200 years. Unlike most animals, they don't seem to experience telomere shortening with age. Do they have active telomerase like bats, exceptional DNA repair like whales, or a third strategy entirely?