Coelacanth fish fin
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Coelacanth fish fin
Fin of dead coelacanth fish (Latimeria chalumnae). This fish uses its lobed fins to swim, moving them in the same way as a tetrapod walking on land. It does not use them to walk on the sea floor, however. The coelacanth flourished in the Mesozoic era, from 400-60 million years ago. It was thought to be extinct until one was caught off South Africa in 1938. It inhabits rocky coastal regions in the Indo-Pacific, at depths of around 150-700 metres. By day it shelters in a cave, emerging at night to hunt smaller fish and squid near the seabed. An adult coelacanth may reach a length of two metres. Photographed in the Comoros Islands
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Media ID 6460115
© PETER SCOONES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Ancient Body Bony Fish Carnivore Carnivorous Catch Caught Coast Coastal Coelacanth Comoros Islands Dead Deep Indian Indo Pacific Latimeria Chalumnae Living Fossil Lobed Locomotion Pisces Pre Historic Predator Predatory Rare
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate fin of a Coelacanth fish, a remarkable creature that defies conventional aquatic locomotion. The Coelacanth, scientifically known as Latimeria chalumnae, utilizes its lobed fins to swim in a manner reminiscent of tetrapods walking on land. However, contrary to popular belief, these unique fins are not employed for traversing the sea floor. Once believed to be extinct for millions of years since the Mesozoic era, this ancient species stunned the world when one was caught off the coast of South Africa in 1938. Today, it thrives in rocky coastal regions within the Indo-Pacific at depths ranging from 150-700 meters. By day, it seeks refuge within caves and emerges during nocturnal hours to hunt smaller fish and squid near the seabed. Reaching an impressive length of up to two meters as adults, this Coelacanth specimen captured in the Comoros Islands is truly awe-inspiring. Its existence serves as a living fossil that offers invaluable insights into our planet's prehistoric past. This photograph from Science Photo Library beautifully captures both the delicate details and historical significance of this rare marine predator's fin. It symbolizes nature's resilience and reminds us that there is still much left to discover about our vast oceans and their mesmerizing inhabitants.
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