Fossil Fish Information
The fossil fish or coelacanth is a living fossil that was thought to have died out millions of years ago. This was until a fisherman’s net caught one off the coast of South Africa in 1938. The fossil fish has fins that are attached to the body. The fish is considered endangered and facing imminent extinction.
Discovery
The fossil fish species is believed to have been widely spread in ancient times. Evidence of the species existence has been found throughout the world in virtually all regions apart from Antarctica. It is believed that about 30 species of the fish existed and lived in salt and fresh water. Since its discovery off the South African coast in 1938, the fish has been observed in the Comoros island off the East African coast as well as parts if Indonesia.
Description
The coelacanth is large and fleshy and can grow to be 6-feet long and weighing 150 pounds. The ancient coelacanth was not as large, growing to about 22-inches. It is believed that only one species of the fish is remaining. Studies suggest there are only about 1000 of the fish left and most of them are found off the East African coast. The fish is believed to have a life span of up to 60 years. The fossil fish are often dark blue or brown in color. They have white flecks that are distinctive in each fish. The patterns are used as identification marks. The fish swim forward, backward and even with its head tilted.
Reproduction
The fish is believed to give birth to live young. The mating process has however never been observed. The eggs develop inside the mother’s body and each embryo develops its own egg and yolk. The female oviduct contains as many as 25 young ones, which feed on the yolk sac until they are born. The offspring are past the larva stage at birth and are capable of feeding on their own.
Diet
The fossil fish are deep water fish that have been observed to feed close to the sea bed. Studies of dissected fish stomachs show the presence of deep water reef fish like the squid, lantern fish and the deep water snapper. The fish hunts and forages for food at night and shelters in caves by day. The animal’s dark colors disguise it and protect it from predators. The coelacanth has a large mouth and often swallows its prey whole.