Ming was an ocean quahog clam (Arctica islandica, family Veneridae) and the oldest living animal ever discovered.
Judging by the annual growth rings on its shell, Ming was estimated to be 405–410 years old when it was dredged off the coast of Iceland in October 2007. The research was carried out by researchers from Bangor University, including Dr. Alan Wanamaker and Professor of Ocean Sciences Chris Richardson. They are uncertain how long the clam (which died before its age was assessed) might have lived had it been left on the ocean floor.
The clam was named after the Ming Dynasty, due to its great age. Richardson said the discovery of Ming could help scientists discover how some animals reach such advanced ages.