Definition of coelacanth
: any of an order (Coelacanthiformes) of lobe-finned fishes known chiefly from Paleozoic and Mesozoic fossils
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Some years ago, the story of the Smithsonian’s coelacanth took an interesting twist.
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This is good for the coelacanths as all are considered endangered.
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Some have looked at coelacanths and sarcopterygians, or lungfish (the latter use their pelvic fins to move in a motion like walking).
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But in 1938, the discovery of a modern coelacanth was like seeing a fossil come back to life.
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According to the study, researchers first interpreted such impressions as claw marks, ripples from fish or paths made by turtles or coelacanths.
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Origin and Etymology of coelacanth
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coelacanth
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