Coelacanth: World's oldest fish rediscovered after being lost for 60 million years

Coelacanth: The ‘Living Fossil’ That Defied Extinction for Millions of Years (Image: Canva)

Scientists assumed for generations that the coelacanth became extinct. The ancient fish, that was 400 million years old, was supposed to have died 65 million years ago. That feeling ended in 1938 when a South African museum curator encountered a peculiar fish. The local fisherman caught it while it was in the Chalumna River. That finding essentially rewrote the scientists' way of thinking about a species' ability to survive. It confirmed that the sea has creatures presumed to be extinct.

The coelacanth is a member of the Lazarus taxon, which refers to those species that reappear after being considered extinct. The scientists were stunned by the telegraph that was sent after the discovery. It went like this: "MOST IMPORTANT PRESERVE SKELETON AND GILLS = FISH DESCRIBED." The world soon understood that this was not a typical

A very unusual fish with uncommon characteristics
The coelacanth's lobed fins make it stand out. These fins move similarly to terrestrial animals' limbs. Scientists believe they provide insights into how early fish adapted to land. The fish's skull also features a unique hinge. This may allow it to bite and metabolize food differently than other species.

Coelacanths reside in deep-sea caves, far out of harm's reach. They rest during the day and dine at night. Their slow metabolism allows them to live where there is little to eat. In the 1990s, researchers discovered a second coelacanth species in Indonesia. These two species continue to fascinate ocean scientists.

A Survivor in the Deep Sea

Coelacanths belong to the group Sarcopterygii, which includes lungfish. They possess the features of ancient amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Their skeletal system indicates the connection between sea and land creatures. Researchers assume that their rostral organ helps detect the electrical signals from the prey. It occurs in other old fish and helps in hunting.

The deep-sea environment has remained unchanged for millions of years. This may be the reason why coelacanths have not evolved much over millions of years. Due to their limited movement, they have reduced feeding needs. They inhabit ocean caves, beyond human interference.Any coelacanth sighting is a ray of hope for scientists. They hope that species believed to be extinct can still be found in the ocean. Studies on these ancient fish can reveal previously unknown survival strategies. The whole study was released in Scientific Reports.