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Why is the Coelacanth Famous? A Living Fossil From the Deep The coelacanth is famous primarily because it was thought to be extinct for millions of years, making its rediscovery a monumental event in evolutionary biology; it’s the ultimate living fossil, representing a crucial link in understanding the transition from fish to land-dwelling vertebrates. The Lazarus Taxon: Rediscovering the Coelacanth The story of the coelacanth is one of scientific surprise and wonder. For decades ... The name coelacanth originates from the Permian genus Coelacanthus, it was the first scientifically named coelacanth. Many scientists believe that these animals have unique characteristics that represent an early step in the evolution of the fishes to the terrestrial ecosystem as four-legged animals like amphibians. Coelacanth Habitat Learn about the coelacanth, a living fossil fish with unique features and two known species. Discover its anatomy, diversity, evolution, ecology and conservation status. What are coelacanths? Coelacanths are a curious group of fish, represented by only two extant species: the African coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) and the Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis). These large, lobe-finned fish live in and around deep-water caves off the coasts of southeastern Africa and Indonesia. Around two meters in length, the coelacanth looks like no other fish alive. In addition to its fleshy limb-like fins with their skeletal supporting structures, it has a ...
