African coelacanth [Mawsonia lavocati]
Description
The African coelacanth, or Mawsonia lavocati, is a prehistoric lobe-finned fish that lived during the Cretaceous period. It primarily inhabited freshwater rivers and lakes in what is now Africa. This species is known for its large size, with adults potentially reaching up to 6 meters in length. The African coelacanth is characterized by its unique body structure, including a three-lobed tail and specialized limb-like fins. Despite its ancient lineage, this species is not a direct ancestor of terrestrial vertebrates.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Lobe-Fin Fish
Sarcopterygii
|
| Order |
Coelacanths
Coelacanthiformes
|
| Family |
Mawsoniidae
Mawsoniidae
|
| Genus |
Mawsonia
Mawsonia
|