Peter Timm (†), permission by Dr. Kerry Sink, Süd-Afrika
Info
The coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae was discovered off the South African coast in 1938 and scientists were aware that Latimeria chalumnae was the only species of coelacanth.
In 1997, Dr. Mark Erdmann's wife, Arnaz Mehta Erdmann, discovered another species of coelacanth, which was first described in 1999 and named Latimeria menadoensis (Comorian coelacanth) after the place where it was found.
It is assumed that coelacanths have existed for at least 400 million years and have hardly changed physically over the many millions of years.
In order to clearly confirm that the animals are actually two different species, morphological and genetic studies were carried out, which clearly confirmed the existence of two species.
Due to the great depth of the water, it is currently unclear whether Latimeria menadoensis is actually restricted to the marine area around the Celebes Sea; further investigations into the distribution of the animals are ongoing.
Coelacanths have an elongated, rounded and very strong body, both species are carnivorous and hunt fish and cephalopods (octopus, squid, cuttlefish) in the dark.
During the day, these animals retreat to sheltered areas such as underwater caves.
Coloration of the animals: dark, metallic blue to grey.
Synonyms:
Latemaria chalumnae Smith, 1939
Malania anjouanae Smith, 1953
In 1997, Dr. Mark Erdmann's wife, Arnaz Mehta Erdmann, discovered another species of coelacanth, which was first described in 1999 and named Latimeria menadoensis (Comorian coelacanth) after the place where it was found.
It is assumed that coelacanths have existed for at least 400 million years and have hardly changed physically over the many millions of years.
In order to clearly confirm that the animals are actually two different species, morphological and genetic studies were carried out, which clearly confirmed the existence of two species.
Due to the great depth of the water, it is currently unclear whether Latimeria menadoensis is actually restricted to the marine area around the Celebes Sea; further investigations into the distribution of the animals are ongoing.
Coelacanths have an elongated, rounded and very strong body, both species are carnivorous and hunt fish and cephalopods (octopus, squid, cuttlefish) in the dark.
During the day, these animals retreat to sheltered areas such as underwater caves.
Coloration of the animals: dark, metallic blue to grey.
Synonyms:
Latemaria chalumnae Smith, 1939
Malania anjouanae Smith, 1953
