Meet The Fish That Shouldn't Exist

Summary

In 1938, South African fisherman Hendrik Houon discovered a mysterious blue fish that turned out to be a coelacanth, a species thought extinct for over 60 million years. This living fossil, more closely related to humans than to modern fish, has since captivated scientists and sparked debates on evolution. With unique traits like leg-like fins and a five-year gestation period, the coelacanth's rediscovery challenged scientific understanding of evolution and creation. Despite its elusive nature, new populations have been found, although they are critically endangered due to human activity, making the coelacanth's survival a fragile miracle.

Takeaways

• 🐟 The Coelacanth, a rare fish thought to have been extinct for over 60 million years, was rediscovered in 1938 by a South African fisherman.
• 📜 The Coelacanth is considered one of the oldest surviving species of fish, with its origins dating back over 400 million years.
• 🧬 The Coelacanth has an incredibly long gestation period of five years, the longest of any known animal.
• 👨‍🔬 The Coelacanth is more closely related to humans than it is to any other fish species alive today.
• ⚖️ The Coelacanth has been central to debates between evolutionists and creationists, as it was once thought to be the 'missing link' between fish and land vertebrates.
• 🔬 In 1839, the Coelacanth was first identified by naturalist Louis Agassiz, but it didn't gain much attention until the rise of Darwin's theory of evolution.
• 🌍 Coelacanth fossils show its unique leg-like fins, which were thought to be an evolutionary step towards land animals.
• 🧭 In 1938, a rediscovered specimen was confirmed by ichthyologist JLB Smith as the Coelacanth, a creature that had seemingly come back from extinction.
• 📉 The Coelacanth became known as a Lazarus taxon, a species that was believed to be extinct but reappeared after millions of years.
• 🌊 The Coelacanth resides in deep-sea volcanic caves, making it difficult to find and study, which helped it avoid human detection for so long.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 1938 discovery of the Coelacanth fish?

The 1938 discovery of the Coelacanth was monumental because it marked the reappearance of a species thought to have been extinct for over 60 million years. This fish, found in a South African fishing net, became one of the greatest zoological discoveries, as it was known only from ancient fossils prior to this event.

How old is the Coelacanth species, and why is it considered remarkable?

The Coelacanth species is over 400 million years old, making it the oldest surviving fish species on Earth. Its longevity, combined with its evolutionary history, makes it a remarkable example of life's persistence and adaptability.

What makes the Coelacanth’s gestation period unique?

The Coelacanth has the longest gestation period of any known animal, lasting about five years. This is a rare trait in the animal kingdom and adds to the intrigue surrounding the species.

Why is the Coelacanth considered a 'living fossil'?

The Coelacanth is referred to as a 'living fossil' because it has remained largely unchanged for over 400 million years. Despite its ancient lineage, it has evolved very little in appearance, showcasing an example of stabilizing evolution in an environment that has remained relatively stable.

How does the Coelacanth challenge the debate between evolution and creationism?

The Coelacanth plays a key role in the evolution vs. creationism debate. Its existence challenges some creationist arguments, while it also serves as evidence for evolution, specifically as a 'transitional fossil' that links fish to land vertebrates in evolutionary history.

What is the role of the Coelacanth in the theory of evolution?

The Coelacanth became a key piece of evidence for the theory of evolution, particularly as a 'missing link' between fish and land vertebrates. Its unique features, such as its leg-like fins, were seen as a crucial evolutionary step in the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.

Why was the Coelacanth considered extinct before its rediscovery in 1938?

Before 1938, the Coelacanth was believed to have been extinct for over 60 million years, largely because its fossils were only found in ancient rock layers, and no living specimens had been observed. Its sudden rediscovery defied previous scientific assumptions.

What is the significance of the Coelacanth's second specimen captured in 1952?

The second Coelacanth specimen, captured in 1952, was a breakthrough for science. It provided an opportunity to study a living example of a species previously known only from fossils, offering insights into its anatomy, behavior, and biology that were previously impossible to determine.

What makes the Coelacanth difficult to find in the wild?

The Coelacanth is difficult to find because it lives deep in the ocean, typically around 200 meters below the surface, and is nocturnal, hunting at night. It also spends much of its time in deep-sea volcanic caves, which are difficult for fishing nets to reach.

What new information about the Coelacanth was discovered in 2013?

In 2013, the Coelacanth’s entire genome was sequenced, revealing that it is more closely related to humans than to modern fish. This finding deepened the understanding of the Coelacanth's evolutionary history and provided new insights into the genetic connections between species.