The coelacanths constitute a rare order of fish that includes two extant species in the genus Latimeria: the West Indian Ocean coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) primarily found near the Comoro Islands off the east coast of Africa and the Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis). They follow the oldest known living lineage of Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish and tetrapods), which means they are more closely related to lungfish, reptiles, and mammals than to the common ray-finned fishes. Since there are only two species of coelacanth and both are threatened, it is the most endangered order of animals in the world.
Coelacanths were thought to have become extinct in the Late Cretaceous, around 66 million years ago, but were rediscovered in 1938 off the coast of South Africa.
Its discovery 66 million years after it was believed to have gone extinct makes the coelacanth the best-known example of a Lazarus taxon, an evolutionary line that seems to have disappeared from the fossil record only to reappear much later.
lyrics
People thought the Coelacanth was dead
Whilst he slumbered peacefully
On an unknown seabed
They took to fishing other fish instead
Claimed the bodies of the slain
And so them and theirs were fed
I've tried but I can't follow everything
I can't hope to understand
A fraction of what's ever been
And what will prove to be the weaker thing,
A blessing or this hidden curse
That's lain over these events as a king
And you think this is simple but it's not
You've offered to me truths that I
Believe were better left forgot
Stubborn my bearing and foolish pride
You've offered to me truths that I
Believe were better left denied
I don't have to stay here, I could go
Far away and wherever my legs and boots may roam
I still have dignity I'll have you know
Forgotten like a Coelacanth,
But I'm afraid that's just the way it goes
credits
from Extinction,
released November 24, 2017
Tristram Bawtree: vocals
Marcus Hamblett: tape loops, drum machines, synths, guitar, production
Thomas Heather: drums
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