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Endangered Species Act Status Review Report for the Coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae)
This report is the status review for the African coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae. This report…
African Coelacanth
African Coelacanth
Latimeria chalumnae
Quick Facts
Weight
198 pounds
Length
Up to 6.5 feet
Lifespan
Average about 48 years
Threats
Bycatch,
Habitat destruction
Region
Foreign
About the Species
The African coelacanth belongs to an ancient lineage of bony, lobe-finned fish. The species was believed to have gone extinct over 65 million years ago but was rediscovered off the coast of South Africa in 1938. The Tanzanian distinct population segment (DPS) is thought to represent a single, isolated population of the species, having diverged approximately 200,000 years ago. The size of the population is likely small, with no connectivity to other populations. It also has late maturity and the longest generation time of any vertebrate. The main threats to the African coelacanth Tanzanian DPS include bycatch in shark gillnet fisheries and habitat destruction due to development. In 2016, NOAA Fisheries listed the DPS as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Protected Status
ESA Threatened - Foreign
- Tanzanian DPS
Appearance
The coelacanth has several unique physical features. Most notably are its paired lobe fins that extend away from the body and move in an alternating pattern. The body of the fish appears iridescent dark blue in film or video footage but under natural light the color is light brown with white blotches throughout that have been used for individual identification. They also have thick, armor-like scales and a unique joint at the back of the skull that allows them to open their upper and lower jaws at the same time.
Biology
The coelacanth is a slow drift-hunter and eats a variety of benthic and epi-benthic prey, such as cephalopods, eels, cuttlefish, and deepwater fish.
Where They Live
Range
The Tanzanian distinct population segment of African coelacanth lives among deep, rocky terraces comprised of sedimentary limestone between 230 to 460 feet in depth. In this habitat, coelacanths are thought to use submarine cavities and shelves for shelter. They are found in temperatures around 68° F.
African Coelacanth range map
Scientific Classification
The Tanzanian distinct population segment of African coelacanth lives among deep, rocky terraces comprised of sedimentary limestone between 230 to 460 feet in depth. In this habitat, coelacanths are thought to use submarine cavities and shelves for shelter. They are found in temperatures around 68° F.
| Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Sarcopterygii | Order | Coelacanthiformes | Family | Latimeriidae | Genus | Latimeria | Species | chalumnae |
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Seafood Facts
Seafood News
Rainbow in the dusk sky at San Diego Harbor. Credit: NOAA/Liana Heberer.
The NOAA Aquaculture Strategic Plan (2023–2028) includes goals and objectives to sustainably develop the aquaculture industry in the United States. Credit: NOAA Aquaculture Program
Raw oysters on plate. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.