Whenever someone discovers a specimen of a species thought extinct, there is cause for celebration. Throughout the world, no one quite knows what really lurks deep in the dark, murky waters of the international oceans and seas decorated the globe. It appears that the waters surrounding Indonesia has been serving as home to a well-received member of the “alive and well” family of fish. This article offers additional insight.
A species once thought extinct has surfaced in the midst of an Indonesian fisherman, who reeled in the rare coelacanth, which offers a glance at an actual “living fossil.”
Justinus Lahama was lucky enough to nab the 4-foot, 100-pound creature as fished off of Sulawesi Island, which is situated close to Bunaken National Marine Park, where some of the most intriguing displays of marine life in the world can be found.
Unfortunately, according to marine biologist, Lucky Lumingas, the fish died 17 hours later, which is considered a great feat for this type of fish. This is because the coelacanth only thrives within the deepest parts of a cold-sea environment. In actuality, the fish should have perished within two hours of being caught. The “extinct” wonder continued to push the limits of its existence.
Lumingas, who is employed at the locally positioned Sam Tatulangi University, is planning on studying the ins and out of the coelacanth’s carcass.
What is a Coelacanth?
The coelacanth was once thought extinct until one of the fish made an appearance off of the coast of Africa in 1938. Before then, it is believed that the species dates back millions and millions of years ago. When it was determined that a coelacanth was found, the public fell in love with the notion that something that old still existed in the waters. Since then, other specimens of the coelacanth were located, including another find about Sulawesi Island that took place in 1998.
Coelacanths first make a showing on the fossil record during the Middle Devonian era, which is around 410 million years into the past. A variety of prehistoric coelacanth was also known to occupy many different bodies of water during the Late Paleozoic and Mesozoic time periods. One of the most interesting details regarding the fish is how it reproduces its young. The predator with a powerful reputation gives birth to their young in a live manner instead of laying eggs like other species.
The females give birth between five and 25 young coelacanths, which possess the amazing ability to survive without the help of others. They are ovoviviparous, meaning the mother develops eggs within her body until they are ready to become hatched into the world. In regards to the birthing process, the live young are referred to as pups. This type of reproductive behavior is not widely known, but some researchers believe that coelacanths are not mature enough to reproduce until they have passed 20 year of age, which they can then enter a gestation time of 13 months.
In the article, “All About the Coelacanth,” you will learn additional details regarding the species of fish that is now making headlines in the news.