Coelacanth, an Ancient Fish Species that Lived Before Dinosaurs Discovered in Gorontalo

Kapanlagi.com - Fishermen in North Gorontalo recently caused a stir in the community after discovering the legendary ancient fish species, the coelacanth! This large fish was accidentally caught by Oskar Kaluku, a 60-year-old fisherman.

The news of this discovery first went viral on social media thanks to a post from the X account @Coelacanthuss. In the post, the deceased fish is seen laid out on banana leaves, surrounded by curious locals who gathered to take a closer look.

Interestingly, the coelacanth fish is believed to have existed for 400 million years and was once declared extinct because it had not been found for a long time. However, this discovery raises the question: is it true that this ancient species still exists? Check out more information about the coelacanth fish discovery that has amazed the coastal community, summarized by Kapanlagi.com on Tuesday (21/1).

1. The Viral Discovery of the Ancient Coelacanth Fish in Gorontalo

In a shocking post on the X account @Coelacanthuss on Friday, January 17, 2025, a surprising discovery was revealed: a rare coelacanth fish was caught in the waters of Gorontalo! "Shocked, a coelacanth was caught in Gorontalo yesterday.

This is a very rare case," wrote the account, raising curiosity about the fate of this unique specimen—whether it will be handed over to a local marine institution or Sam Ratulangi University.

The discovery began with Oskar Kaluku, a fisherman from the village of Imana, North Gorontalo, who unexpectedly caught this ancient fish while fishing, attracting the attention of researchers and academics eager to study further about this rarely encountered natural wonder.

2. Getting to Know the Ancient Coelacanth Fish

The coelacanth, an ancient fish that has navigated the oceans for about 400 million years, is a silent witness to a remarkable history of evolution. Known as a living fossil, this fish appeared long before the era of dinosaurs, with fins resembling legs, indicating an extraordinary evolution of vertebrates.

Currently, only two species of coelacanth still survive, namely Latimeria chalumnae found in Africa and Latimeria menadoensis in the waters of Indonesia.

With a stunning color pattern, a large body weighing up to 90 kilograms, and a lifespan that can reach 100 years, the coelacanth lives at depths of 100 to 500 meters, making it difficult to reach and study.

This fish is not just a marine creature, but is also considered an evolutionary bridge between fish and land animals, with a unique body shape and fin structure that reminds us of the ancestors of land vertebrates.

Its existence is a living proof of the secrets of evolution that still hold many mysteries.

3. Why is the Coelacanth So Rare?

The coelacanth, an ancient fish that has survived five mass extinctions, is now facing serious threats that endanger its survival.

With a very slow reproductive cycle—taking up to 36 months to give birth—this fish is vulnerable to various external pressures, including human activities that destroy its habitat, such as the use of gill nets.

Although able to survive in a range of environmental conditions, including extreme ones, the small coelacanth population is increasingly pressured by climate change and accidental hunting.

4. Fossil Discoveries and Coelacanth History

Coelacanth fossils, first identified by Louis Agassiz in 1836, are remnants from the Devonian to the end of the Cretaceous, about 66 million years ago.

However, in 1938, the world was shocked by the discovery of a living coelacanth specimen in South Africa, proving that this ancient fish was not extinct after all.

The surprises didn't stop there; in 1997, coelacanth was rediscovered in the waters of Sulawesi, Indonesia, confirming Latimeria menadoensis as a new species.

This discovery not only expanded our understanding of coelacanth distribution but also opened a new window to explore the mysterious ancient marine life.

5. Coelacanth in Indonesia: The Wealth of Marine Biodiversity

Indonesia, with its extraordinary natural charm, is home to Latimeria menadoensis, an astonishing ancient fish found in the waters of Sulawesi and Raja Ampat. This endangered species is protected by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, considering its vulnerable status according to the IUCN.

This coelacanth inhabits depths of 150-200 meters in the waters of Indonesia, with populations scattered across various locations. The discovery of coelacanth in Gorontalo further enriches Indonesia's biodiversity treasure and emphasizes the importance of marine conservation efforts to ensure the survival of this rare species from the threat of extinction.

6. What is a coelacanth?

Coelacanth, an ancient fish that has inhabited the oceans for 400 million years, is often dubbed a living fossil.

7. Why is the coelacanth rare?

Coelacanth, an amazing ancient fish, is now extremely rare due to its slow reproductive cycle, the need for specific habitats in deep waters, and threats posed by human activities.

8. Where is the coelacanth found?

The ancient coelacanth, long thought to be extinct, has once again captured the world's attention after being discovered in the stunning waters of Africa and Indonesia, particularly in the biodiversity-rich regions of Sulawesi and Raja Ampat.

9. Is the coelacanth protected?

In Indonesia, the coelacanth, an amazing ancient fish, is now receiving strict legal protection. This rare species is listed as one of the endangered species according to the IUCN, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to ensure this natural wonder remains in our oceans.

(kpl/srr)