Fin's Fish Guide
The Coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) is a saltwater fish of the family Latimeriidae that grows up to 168 cm.
Description
The coelacanth is a rare, ancient lobe-finned fish from the western Indian Ocean, mainly around the Comoros and southeastern Africa. The species grows to about 1.7 metres and has a heavy, steel-blue body with white blotches and lobed, fleshy fins on stalk-like bases, a living relative of a form long thought extinct. As a nocturnal deep-water predator it lives in submarine caves between about 150 and 700 metres and hunts fish and squid slowly. It is live-bearing with a very long gestation. The IUCN assesses the species as Critically Endangered (CR).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Coelacanth?
The Coelacanth has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Living fossil with lobed fleshy fins; deepwater cave dweller
Where does the Coelacanth live?
The Coelacanth lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Indian Ocean
How big does the Coelacanth get?
The Coelacanth grows to a maximum of about 168 cm.
Is the Coelacanth dangerous to humans?
No, the Coelacanth is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Coelacanth edible?
The Coelacanth is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Want the complete picture on the Coelacanth?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Coelacanth is one of 12,519 species in the app.