In terms of evolution, these ancient "fishes" are more closely related to land animals than to fish. Note the specimen's paired fins. They are lobe-like and actually have jointed bones, like arms and legs.

These creatures present a fascinating story of the ways in which our knowledge of the world is sometimes increased by happenstance. Until 1938 all coelacanths were considered to be extinct; we thought the last coelacanth lived approximately 70 million years ago. In December of 1938, however, fishermen off the eastern coast of South Africa caught a living coelacanth, like the one pictured here. It was so similar to its ancient relatives that it was called a "living fossil." For years after this serendipitous discovery, scientists searched for another living coelacanth. Finally, off the Comoro Islands, north of Madagascar, they met with success. Since then, more than 200 specimens have been found, all in the same region.

In 1975 a scientist in the Museum's Department of Ichthyology helped dissect a coelacanth. Inside were five fully formed babies, showing us that coelacanth eggs hatch internally. Because of this method of reproduction, the coelacanth cannot produce many eggs, and is able to brood only a few young. It is therefore extremely rare and vulnerable to overfishing. Conservation measures are now in place so that the coelacanth can remain a living link to the ancient past.