The Coelcanth – Oldest Living Species

The strange-looking coelacanth is one of the oldest species of fish in the world. It is considered by many to be an actual living fossil. Known scientifically as Latimeria chalumnae, this fish was thought to have been extinct since the end of the cretaceous period over 65 million years ago.

Fossils of the coelacanth have been found that date back over 350 million years. But, against all odds, in 1938, a fisherman actually caught a live coelacanth off the coast of South Africa. A second specimen was captured in 1952 off the coast of the Comoros Islands off theeastern coast of Africa near Madagascar. Needless to say, this caused a sensation throughout the scientific community. Since then, live coelacanths have been sighted and photographed many times in the wild.

4 Responses to “The Coelcanth – Oldest Living Species”

  1. orlando flores Says:

    this is gay

  2. Geisha_Girl Says:

    Since “coelacanth” was spelled right in the article, you would think it could have been spelled right in the title…

    Orlandoflores, did the coelacanth come on to you? If not, I hardly think you can go around calling it gay. Homophobes… sigh…

  3. I luv pie Says:

    I thhink that this should stay alive and should not be killed for money in the trade we were once scared for this creature and now we found it why are we killing it????

  4. Val Says:

    to I luv pie; You are a moron.

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