A Fish from the Era of Dinosaurs: Coelacanth

Dinosaurs existed on Earth millions of years ago and eventually went extinct. Many other animals of that era also died out or evolved into smaller animals and birds. However, a fish named Coelacanth, found in the Indian Ocean, still exists today just as it did during the time of the dinosaurs.

• The Discovery: Scientists used to believe that this fish went extinct 70 million years ago. However, in 1938, a five-foot-long Coelacanth with blue scales and round eyes was found off the coast of South Africa. After studying it, scientists stated that it belonged to the Crossopterygii period. It was also nicknamed the "living fossil fish" because, until then, only its fossils had ever been seen.

• Characteristics: Scientists believe that land-dwelling, four-legged animals originated by evolving from the Coelacanth fish.

- The Coelacanth's backbone is made of soft bone (cartilage). It has a skull in its head and sharp teeth. It is a carnivore.

- It has four fins, which it uses like legs to walk along the ocean floor.

- The Coelacanth lives at a depth of 200 meters in the ocean, mostly in areas with volcanic rocks.

- The fish has nostrils, and its round blue eyes can see even in the dark.