Coelacanths (/ ˈsiːləkænθ / ⓘ SEE-lə-kanth) (order Coelacanthiformes) are an ancient group of lobe-finned fish (Sarcopterygii) in the class Actinistia. [2][3] As sarcopterygians, they are more closely related to lungfish and tetrapods (which includes amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) than to ray-finned fish.

Jan 17, 2025 · coelacanth, (genus Latimeria), any of the two living lobe-finned bony fishes of the genus Latimeria. Traditionally, however, coelacanth was the name applied generally to any member of the order Coelacanthiformes, subclass Crossopterygii.

The coelacanth is a "passive drift feeder," moving slowly and passively near the substrate where it feeds primarily on cephalopods (cuttlefish, squid, and octopus) and fishes. It is capable of moving quickly and may do so when capturing prey or avoiding danger.

Dec 18, 2021 · An ancient fish once believed to be extinct, the coelacanth is a bottom-feeding creature that lives in the deep sea off the east coast of Africa. Its rediscovery was deemed "the most important event in the study of natural history in the 20th century."

The unexpected capture of a living coelacanth in the 1930s was 'the most sensational natural history discovery' of the century. In April 1939, New Zealand's Auckland Star proclaimed that the Loch Ness monster, a sensation that had caught the …

The living coelacanths (“see-la-kanths”), Latimeria chalumnae and Latimeria menadoensis are possibly the sole remaining representatives of a once widespread family of Sarcopterygian (fleshy or lobed-finned) coelacanth fishes (more than 120 species are known from the fossil record).

The coelacanth, a living fossil, is an endangered species with a limited distribution in the western Indian Ocean. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to its small population size and restricted range.

May 29, 2020 · The West Indian Ocean coelacanth is a critically endangered species. Coelacanths are more closely related to lungfish and tetrapods than to ray-finned fish. These fascinating fish have some odd characteristics to learn about, so read through the following paragraphs to find out the ten most interesting facts about the coelacanth.

Aug 19, 2023 · Believed to have gone extinct at the time of the dinosaurs, the coelacanth has one of the longest gestation periods on Earth — and it can hunt in a headstand.

Nov 19, 2024 · The African coelacanth was believed to have gone extinct over 65 million years ago but was rediscovered off the coast of South Africa in 1938. Learn about the status and management of this ancient fish.

Coelacanths are elusive, deep-sea creatures, living in depths up to 2,300 feet below the surface. They can be huge, reaching 6.5 feet or more and weighing 198 pounds. Scientists estimate...

The coelacanth is a large fish that was thought to have gone extinct 65 million years ago. These fish are largely considered living fossils, and were around during the Late Cretaceous period while dinosaurs still roamed the earth.

Coelacanth is any sarcopterygian fish of the subclass Coelacanthimorpha (Actinistia) and order Coelacanthiformes, characterized by a three-lobed, diphycercal caudal fin, external nostrils, and an anterior dorsal fin in front of the center of the body (Nelson 2004).

Aug 29, 2018 · Coelacanth facts, pictures and in-depth information. Coelacanths are sometimes known as ‘living fossils’; animals that have changed little over millions of years. These ancient fish are more closely related to four-limbed vertebrates …

A coelacanth is a type of fish in the Sarcopterygii, the lobe-finned fishes. [1] They are a sister group to those fish which evolved into tetrapods. [2] Their fossil record goes back 400 million years, before any land vertebrates had evolved. [3] There are at least two species of coelacanths living in the Indian Ocean.

May 27, 2024 · The Coelacanth is a rare, deep-sea fish with limb-like lobed fins and a prehistoric lineage dating back over 360 million years. The coelacanth first evolved almost 400 million years ago. The coelacanth is one of the best-known examples of a “living fossil”: the living remnant of an ancient lineage of fish dating back nearly 400 million years.

The coelacanth, found in the deep waters off southeastern Africa, is a nocturnal predator and considered critically endangered. Learn more and how to protect coelacanths.

Aug 11, 2019 · Discover 10 fascinating Coelacanth facts, ranging from when this fish supposedly went extinct to how the females of the genus give birth to live young.

Jun 19, 2015 · Sixty-five million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, carnivorous fish that could stretch up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) long and tipped the scales at about 200 pounds (91 kilograms) filled the seas. These mysterious creatures were called coelacanths (SEEL-uh-kanths), and there were 90 species of its kind.

Mar 4, 2025 · Enter the fascinating world of the Devonian Period with this one of a kind Coelacanth crochet pattern, an ancient animal that is still alive to this day! This pattern will take you through a unique texture and surface crochet journey to achieve a low-sew masterpiece!