Coelacanths are a group of fish that were thought to have gone extinct around 66 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. However, in 1938, a living coelacanth was discovered off the coast of South Africa, and since then several more populations have been found in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Madagascar, Comoros, Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique.

Coelacanths are unique and ancient fish, with a distinctive appearance that includes lobed fins, a three-lobed tail, and a hinged skull. They are also quite large, with some individuals reaching up to six feet in length. Coelacanths are deep-sea fish, found at depths of around 500 to 800 meters, and are thought to live for up to 60 years.

Coelacanths are known for their slow reproductive rate and low population densities, which make them vulnerable to overfishing and habitat destruction. As a result, they are considered a critically endangered species. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve coelacanth populations, including through the creation of marine protected areas and the development of sustainable fishing practices.