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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Pricing
- To get a price for this product (including delivery if required), please click the “add to my quote” button to add it to your quote list. You can then select any extras or specific requirements, and submit a quote request (see how to order).
Additional Extras
- Clear coat finish or a heavy duty gel coat finish is recommended for all products that will be used outside, to protect the finish. See product care guide
- Mounting plates, hooks or other fixings can be requested when you ask for a quote.
- Custom colours are available on most products.
- If you plan to use the product in a child’s play area or a public space, please mention that when requesting a quote.
- If you need to be able to dismantle or move it easily, let us know that too!
- We can create custom versions of most designs, for example to change the size, pose or angle of a sculpture, or to include your branding on an integrated or separate sign. Just ask
Delivery
- Delivery costs depend on location, packaging requirements, and quantity/type of items ordered. Items can be picked up from our office, or you can arrange your own freight.
- International shipping available on request.
Delivery times depend on stock availability & extras required. - Let us know if you want delivery when you place a quote request, or contact us!
For more info please see frequently asked questions.
