Latimeria

Critically Endangered Coelacanths are an ancient group of lobe-finned fish (Sarcopterygii), more closely related to lungfish and tetrapods (which includes amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) than to ray-finned fish. Lobe-finned fish are considered a transitional step between fish and land animals. Several freshwater and marine species were known from the fossil record dating back at least 410 million years old, and were believed to have gone extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period (alongside the dinosaurs).



After being rediscovered (see below), this species occurs in the Indo-West Pacific in the vicinity of the Grand Comoro and Anjouan islands, the coast of South Africa, Madagascar, and Mozambique. L. chalumnae is a nocturnal hunter, sheltering within caves throughout the day and foraging at night on squid and other fish species. The IUCN currently classifies L. chalumnae as "critically endangered", with a total population size of 500 or fewer individuals. The other extant Coelacanth species, L. menadoensis is considered Vulnerable, with a significantly larger population size (fewer than 10,000 individuals). The main threats to the African coelacanth include bycatch in shark gillnet fisheries and habitat destruction due to development and climate change.

Fun Fact: Fun Fact: The Coelacanth is the best known example a “Lazarus” species: a species that was thought to be extinct, but discovered to still be extant (living). In 1938, South African museum curator Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer was contacted by local fishermen about a very strange fish that they’d caught. Upon inspection, she realized immediately that it was something she’d never seen before, and was very unusual. She contacted an expert ichthyologist (fish scientist) who confirmed that - amazingly - it was a Coelacanth, even though they’d been believed to be long extinct. Since then, a second species of Coelacanth has also been discovered. Below is Latimer’s drawing of that original fish:



Formerly known as Nerene, Latimeria took a new name upon joining our clan in July, 2015, where she serves as our ambassador to the Water Flight. She chose to name herself after the Coelocanth (Latimeria chalumnae), an amazing, ancient fish that lived alongside the dinosaurs, and was thought to be extinct until "rediscovered" in 1939. Latimeria spends most of her time on the beach, or swimming out in deep ocean waters. Although still new to our clan, she is quickly making friends. Their shared love of the coast brought her and Pisaster together very early on, and she often swims with Moana and Megala, who are also fond of the deepest parts of the ocean. Occasionally, she find interesting artifacts on the ocean floor, and diligently brings them back to those who investigate such things in our clan.