Hi, the divers are all concerned with IFdiving!
As a diver, we have the opportunity to see marine life that others can only see on pictures. Not only that, but some lucky divers may even see species that have been around longer than we humans have been around!
Here are a list of the 10 oldest marine creatures that can still be found underwater today
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="4" > frilled shark</h1>
This is a very unique shark with six gill fissures on both sides of the body and folds between the gills, hence the name "wrinkled gill shark".
Unlike many other shark species that we are familiar with today, the frilled shark is similar in appearance to the eel, so it is also known as the "eel", which is one of the most primitive shark species on the planet. They are 150 million years old and have not evolved much.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="28" tadpole shrimp ></h1>
These tiny marine creatures have been living on Earth for more than 200 million years. They may have survived for so long because they have the characteristics of dormant eggs. Tadpole shrimp don't actually have a long lifespan of about 90 days, but they are diapause for at least 25 years, which means their eggs can hatch after 25 years in a suitable environment.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="31" > sturgeon</h1>
Sturgeon refers to fish of the order Sturgeon, which includes a total of 15 species. Sturgeon are one of the earliest vertebrates of extant origin, dating back about 200 million years. They live so long that some sturgeon species can even live to 100 years!
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="32" > horseshoe shrimp</h1>
Horseshoe shrimp, a marine crustacean of the suborder of head shrimp, has a curved body and is horseshoe-shaped, hence the name "horseshoe shrimp". Horseshoe shrimp are typical "living fossils". Even after 200 million years, the appearance of these creatures does not seem to have changed in the slightest.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="33" > lamprey</h1>
Lampreys resemble eels, but these animals, which existed 360 million years ago, are actually a parasite that survives mainly on other fish.
The mouth of the lamprey is open like a huge round suction cup, and the mouth is full of sharp teeth and has tongue teeth on the tongue, which is also very sharp. When they prey, they bite their prey with their teeth, file the fish body with teeth on their tongues, slowly scrape off the scales of their prey, and suck its blood and flesh.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="37" > coelacanth</h1>
Coelacanths, vertebrate phylum teleostomes, were once thought to have become completely extinct, until the discovery of speartails in South Africa in 1938, when the idea was shattered. Coelacanths first appeared about 360 million years ago, but unfortunately they are now listed as endangered.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="38" > horseshoe crab</h1>
Horseshoe crab, a genus of horseshoe crabs, belongs to the primitive arthropods. The earliest horseshoe crab fossils were found in the Ordovician period, about 445 million years ago. Like the horseshoe shrimp, the horseshoe crab has basically retained its original and ancient appearance since its inception, and has not changed.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="39" > Nautilus</h1>
The Nautilus has been alive on Earth for more than 500 million years. During the Ordovician period, nautilus reached a length of up to 11 meters, and they were the most powerful overlords in the ocean at that time. However, after hundreds of millions of years of evolution, they are now in danger of extinction. The nautilus' unique shell makes it a prime target for shell collectors.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="40" > jellyfish</h1>
Jellyfish come in a wide variety and shape, and can be found in waters around the world. Jellyfish appeared even earlier than dinosaurs, and their survival history has reached 500 million years. At present, the number of jellyfish in warm waters is increasing. Who knows, maybe they'll live another 500 million years!
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="45" > sponge</h1>
No one knows exactly how many years sponges have been around, but scientific studies have shown that a sponge species is at least 760 million years old. This is old enough to make them the oldest living marine creatures!
After seeing these ancient marine creatures above, I believe you have a basic understanding of them. Why not set yourself a small goal? On your next dive, try to find one of these marine creatures?