This animal lives for less than five minutes; here are others with the shortest lifespan

Mayflies

Mayflies are the poster children for short lifespans. Despite spending most of their life underwater as larvae (up to a year!), once they emerge as adults, the clock starts ticking fast.

Some species—like Dolania americana—live for less than five minutes in their adult form. That’s just enough time to find a mate, lay some eggs, and call it a life. No meals, no naps—just a very quick mission.

Despite the short life, Pybmy goby grows fast and reproduces early, making sure their species keeps going. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Pygmy goby

This tiny reef fish, the pygmy goby, has one of the shortest lifespans of any known vertebrate. It lives only about 59 days. Researchers figured this out by counting the daily rings in their ear bones—like tree rings, but way smaller, according to World Atlas. Despite the short life, they grow fast and reproduce early, making sure their species keeps going.

Labord’s chameleon

Meet Labord’s chameleon, found only in Madagascar. These little lizards pack their entire lives into about four or five months.

What’s even more fascinating is that their eggs take longer to hatch than the time they spend alive outside! It’s a survival trick to match Madagascar’s dry and wet seasons—when the weather’s good, they grow fast and make the most of it.

Turquoise killifish

Found in temporary puddles in Africa, the turquoise killifish has to grow quickly because its home dries up quickly. These fish reach adulthood in two weeks and usually live only four to six months.

Scientists love studying them because their short lives help us learn more about ageing.

Gastrotrichs

You probably haven’t seen one, but gastrotrichs are teeny-tiny creatures that live in water. Some only live for a few days. Even in that short time, they play a big part in keeping water ecosystems clean by feeding on bacteria and helping recycle nutrients. Small but mighty!