Coelacanth
Coelacanth
Coelacanth (pronunciation: /ˈsiːləkænθ/ SEE-lə-kanth) is a type of fish that is known for its unique evolutionary history. The term "Coelacanth" is derived from the Greek words 'koilos', which means hollow, and 'akantha', which means spine. These fish are characterized by their lobed fins, which appear to be more similar to legs than typical fish fins.
Description
Coelacanths are large, deep-sea fish that can reach up to 2 meters in length and weigh as much as 90 kilograms. They are known for their distinctive lobed fins, which are thought to be an evolutionary precursor to the limbs of land-dwelling animals. Coelacanths have a unique method of swimming, using their lobed fins to "walk" along the ocean floor.
Evolutionary History
Coelacanths are part of the subclass Actinistia, a group of lobed-finned fish that first appeared in the Devonian period, over 360 million years ago. They were thought to have gone extinct in the Late Cretaceous period, around 66 million years ago, until a living specimen was discovered off the coast of South Africa in 1938. This discovery, known as the "Living Fossil" phenomenon, has made the Coelacanth a significant species in the study of evolution.
Habitat and Distribution
Coelacanths are found in the deep waters off the east coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean, and around Indonesia. They prefer to inhabit caves and crevices in the ocean floor, at depths of between 100 and 500 meters.
Conservation Status
The Coelacanth is listed as "Critically Endangered" on the IUCN Red List due to its low population numbers and the threat of habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the species' habitat and preventing overfishing.
Related Terms
- Actinistia: The subclass of lobed-finned fish that includes the Coelacanth.
- Devonian: The geological period when the first Coelacanths appeared.
- Late Cretaceous: The period when Coelacanths were thought to have gone extinct.
- IUCN Red List: The world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Coelacanth
- Wikipedia's article - Coelacanth
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