The coelacanth (pronounced SEE-la-canth) is a primitive lobe-finned fish (Crossopterrgii) that appeared about 380 million years ago (about 150 million years before the dinosaurs appeared). The coelacanth's scientific name is Latimeria chalumnae (Genus species).
Coelacanths are sometimes called “living fossils” because scientists thought they were extinct for at least 65 millions years ago. They are rare, endangered species. They have an extra lobe on the tail and a lobed fin. Coelacanths are the only living animals to have a fully functional intracranial joint, which is a division separating the ear and brain from the nasal organs and eye. Coelacanths eat small fish, such as cardinal fish and lantern fish.
Coelacanths are sometimes called “living fossils” because scientists thought they were extinct for at least 65 millions years ago. They are rare, endangered species. They have an extra lobe on the tail and a lobed fin. Coelacanths are the only living animals to have a fully functional intracranial joint, which is a division separating the ear and brain from the nasal organs and eye. Coelacanths eat small fish, such as cardinal fish and lantern fish.
