Stuff You Should Know Selects: How Coelacanths Work
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Jul 5, 2025 Discover the fascinating world of coelacanths, ancient fish once thought extinct alongside the dinosaurs. Learn about their astonishing rediscovery in 1938 and the unique adaptations that allow them to thrive over 800 feet below sea level. These living fossils exhibit extraordinary reproductive methods and intriguing social behaviors. Delve into ongoing research that reveals their genetic links to other vertebrates while exploring the quirks of other aquatic creatures. A mix of humor and scientific insight makes this deep-sea exploration captivating!
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Discovery by Marjorie Courtney Latimer
- In 1938, Marjorie Courtney Latimer examined a mysterious fish brought in by Captain Hendrik Goosen off South Africa's coast.
- She recognized it as an unknown fish despite its unusual appearance and helped initiate its study as the coelacanth.
Coelacanth's Slow Evolution
- Coelacanths have evolved very slowly because their stable, deep-sea environment has minimal predators.
- This slow evolution is reflected in their genome's rate of substitution, supporting their "living fossil" status.
Coelacanth Deep-Sea Habits
- Coelacanths live deep in ocean caves between 500 and 800 feet, emerging at night to hunt.
- They are passive nocturnal predators that often dwell communally in caves during the day.