1. large marine fish with lobed fins and bony scales, once thought extinct but rediscovered in 1938
Usage: scientific

Examples

• Coelacanths were thought to be extinct for millions of years.
• Scientists were amazed when living coelacanths were found off the coast of South Africa.
• The discovery of coelacanths provided important insights into vertebrate evolution.
• Coelacanths are sometimes called ‘living fossils’ because they have changed little over time.
• Marine biologists study coelacanths to understand early fish development.
• The coelacanths found today closely resemble their ancient ancestors.