Come identificare West Indian Ocean Coelacanth

Per identificare West Indian Ocean Coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

torpedo

Colorazione

Dark steel blue to brownish-grey with irregular white or pale spots, which are unique to each individual and can be used for identification.

Tipo di squame

ganoid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Paired lobe fins (pectoral, pelvic, anal, and second dorsal) supported by bone and muscle, resembling limbs., Tripartite caudal fin with a small central lobe (epicaudal fin)., Hinged intracranial joint, allowing the upper jaw to be raised independently., Thick, cosmoid scales (though often described as modified cosmoid or placoid-like)., Oil-filled notochord instead of a vertebral column in adults., Rostral organ, a unique electroreceptive sensory organ in the snout.

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins: a spiny first dorsal fin and a lobe-finned second dorsal fin.

Pinna caudale

Tripartite caudal fin with a prominent central lobe (epicaudal fin).

Pinna pettorale

Paired, fleshy, lobe-like pectoral fins, resembling limbs.

Pinne distintive

All paired fins (pectoral, pelvic, anal, and second dorsal) are lobe-finned, meaning they are supported by a central skeletal element and muscle, allowing for greater articulation than ray-finned fish.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Overall Body Shape and Coloration

   Large, robust, torpedo-shaped body, dark steel blue to brownish-grey with distinctive white or pale spots.

2. 2

   Lobe Fins

   The most striking feature: all paired fins (pectoral, pelvic, anal, and second dorsal) are fleshy and lobe-like, resembling limbs, unlike the ray-fins of most other fish.

3. 3

   Tripartite Caudal Fin

   The tail fin has three distinct lobes, with a small, fleshy central lobe (epicaudal fin) extending beyond the upper and lower lobes.

4. 4

   Scales

   Large, thick, overlapping scales that are rough to the touch.

5. 5

   Size

   Adults can reach lengths of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) and weigh up to 90 kg (200 lbs).

Esplora West Indian Ocean Coelacanth