Coelacanth – Prehistoric Fish

Coelacanth Megafauna – Prehistoric Fish Replica

Our life-sized prehistoric fish statue is an impressive depiction of a large ancient creature that is still alive today. The sculpture displays the animal’s distinctive characteristics, such as its peculiar lobed fins. This accurate replica flawlessly represents this elusive fish species.

• L127 cm x W60cm x H50 cm
• Handmade with fibreglass for a durable and lightweight structure
• Custom designs and finishes available
• An exquisite centrepiece for museums, schools, tourist attractions and private collections
• In public spaces, parks or botanical gardens, a Coelacanth sculpture will attract visitors and engage interest in nature
• The sculpture raises awareness about marine conservation and prehistoric life, especially when accompanied by educational signage
• Natureworks can provide an informative sign or QR code to link to educational info
• A striking conversation-starting piece in offices or lobbies in the fields of marine biology, environmental science, or education.

Did you Know:-

Coelacanth rediscovered- Amazing after 66 million years

The story behind how the Coelacanth was rediscovered after it was thought to have gone extinct about 66 million years ago.

The discovery of the coelacanth is a fascinating story of scientific serendipity. The coelacanth is a prehistoric fish that was thought to have gone extinct about 66 million years ago, known only from fossil records until its dramatic reappearance in the 20th century.

Here’s a brief rundown of the discovery:

1. Initial Discovery: In December 1938, a living coelacanth was found off the coast of South Africa. The discovery was made by a local fisherman named Hendrik Goosen, who caught a strange-looking fish in his net. He was working in the waters near the town of East London.
2. Identification: The fish was unusual enough that Goosen brought it to a local museum, where it was examined by Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, a museum curator. Recognizing its scientific significance, Courtenay-Latimer contacted a prominent ichthyologist, J.L.B. Smith, to help identify the fish.
3. Scientific Confirmation: J.L.B. Smith, upon examining the specimen, realized it was a coelacanth, a fish thought to be extinct for millions of years. Smith was initially skeptical but confirmed the identity through further research and comparison with fossils.
4. Global Attention: The discovery was announced in 1939 and caused a sensation in the scientific community. The coelacanth was celebrated as a “living fossil,” providing a remarkable link to the distant past and offering insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrates.
5. Subsequent Finds: Following the initial discovery, more coelacanths were found in the Indian Ocean, particularly near the Comoros Islands. These findings provided additional information about the coelacanth’s biology and habitat.

The coelacanth’s rediscovery was a milestone in paleontology and ichthyology, reshaping our understanding of fish evolution and highlighting the complexity of the Earth’s biosphere.

Sculptures such as this highlight the importance of marine conservation and protection of ancient species that exist today, fostering a deeper appreciation of biodiversity. By showing an example of a megafauna creature that is not extinct (although it is classed as endangered) we can demonstrate the need to protect marine ecosystems for the future.

If you’re curious to find out more about this interesting fish, read the history of the discovery of a living Coelacanth or try this old but educational Coelacanth quiz!