Latimeria

Latimeria Paris

Coelacanth off Pumula on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, South Africa, on 22 November 2019

Latimeria

Coelacanth1

Daily Dispatch

Latimeria Chalumnae - Coelacanth - NHMW

Latimeria is a genus of rare and critically endangered fish that belongs to the coelacanth family, which is known to have existed for over 360 million years. The discovery of Latimeria in 1938 was a significant scientific event, as coelacanths were thought to have been extinct since the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago. This genus comprises two known living species: Latimeria chalumnae, the West Indian Ocean coelacanth, primarily found near the Comoros Islands off the east coast of Africa, and Latimeria menadoensis, the Indonesian coelacanth, discovered in 1997 in the Sulawesi Sea.

Description

Latimeria species are large, prehistoric-looking fish, with adults typically reaching lengths of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) and weighing as much as 110 kilograms (240 lb). They have a distinctive appearance, including lobed pectoral and pelvic fins that move in a similar fashion to the limbs of land-living animals, suggesting an evolutionary link between fish and tetrapods. Their bodies are covered in tough, armored scales, and they possess a unique hinged skull, which aids in feeding.

Habitat and Behavior

Latimeria species are deep-sea fish, inhabiting depths of up to 700 meters (2,300 feet). They are nocturnal and prefer steep, rocky slopes near underwater caves. Their diet consists mainly of other fish and cephalopods. Latimeria has a unique mode of locomotion; it uses its lobed fins to navigate the deep waters in a manner similar to walking.

Reproduction

The reproductive biology of Latimeria is notable for its rarity among fish. They are ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs develop and hatch inside the female's body, and the young are born live. This process can take up to three years, with females producing a small number of offspring, each of which is relatively large and well-developed at birth.

Conservation Status

Both species of Latimeria are listed as "Critically Endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are threatened by accidental by-catch in deep-sea fishing operations, habitat destruction, and the effects of climate change. Conservation efforts are focused on reducing by-catch and protecting their deep-sea habitats.

Scientific Significance

The discovery of Latimeria has provided valuable insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrates, particularly the transition from sea to land. As a "living fossil," Latimeria offers a unique glimpse into the past, helping scientists understand the morphology and biology of ancient coelacanths, which were once widespread across the globe.

See Also

• Coelacanth
• Evolution of fish
• List of critically endangered species