The Dinosaur Era Fish The Coelacanth

Dinosaurs lived on Earth millions of years ago and then died out. Many animals from that time also disappeared or changed into smaller animals and birds. But the fish called Coelacanth, found in the Indian Ocean, is still around from the dinosaur age! Scientists used to believe this fish died out 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 said it belonged to the Crossopterygii period. This fish was also nicknamed the 'fossil fish' because until then, only its fossils had been found.

Scientists believe that four-legged animals that walk on land evolved from the Coelacanth fish. The Coelacanth fish has a backbone made of soft bones. It has a skull in its head and sharp teeth. It is a meat-eater. It has four fins, which it uses like legs to walk on the seafloor. The Coelacanth usually lives at a depth of 200 meters in the ocean. It's often found in areas with volcanic rocks. This fish has nostrils, and its round blue eyes can see even in the dark.