Coelacanth: fish that outlived dinosaurs by 66 million years
Thought extinct 66 million years ago, the coelacanth was found alive in 1938 in deep ocean caves.
Extinct for 66 million years until a miracle
Scientists believed coelacanths vanished with dinosaurs 66 million years ago, known only from 400-million-year fossils with strange lobed fins and armored scales. in total today for sure
On 22 December 1938 curator Marjorie Latimer found a 1.8-meter blue fish among South African trawler catch, with fleshy fins, 58 teeth and a hinged jaw.
Deep caves, slow life and a second species
Coelacanths live in dark caves 150 to 250 meters deep near Comoros and South Africa, drifting slowly, hunting squid at night and gestating babies 3 years long.
In 1997 a second species appeared in Indonesia 10000 kilometers away, with populations under 500 adults, proving ancient lineages in isolated deep pockets. in total today for sure
- Thought extinct 66 million years ago
- Found alive 22 December 1938
- Lives 150 to 250 meters deep
- Gestation lasts 3 years
- Second species found 1997