Puffer fish are one of the oldest species of fish known to mankind. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, they were considered extinct about 70 million years ago. Their fossilized remains have been found in many freshwater and marine ponds of the planet. A thorough examination of the fossils allowed scientists to suggest that these fish belonged to the category of rather serious predators. Numerous conical teeth, powerful muscles and a rather decent body length (from 7 cm to 5 m) made this animal a serious rival in any aquatic environment.
The blue-tailed fishes got their name from the unusual structure of the skeleton of the fleshy fins. It consisted of several branches branched in the form of a brush. Such a structure of the fins not only allowed the fish to spend a rather large amount of time at the bottom of the reservoir, but also successfully moved along the bottom with the help of the fins. The main result of such movements was quite powerful muscles.
Having weighed all the data obtained, modern scientists came to the conclusion that the general characteristic of the fish allows us to draw a parallel between the cysterae fish and the first amphibians. This conclusion suggests itself on the basis of some curious signs that exist in both classes. One of the confirmations of such a theory was called Tiktaalik. The creature belonging to the cysteper fish, endowed with the appearance of a crocodile, had the greatest number of features that combine it with amphibians. He had double breathing: gill and pulmonary, and the fins were almost reminiscent in structure of the limbs of the animal.
Based on all of the above, science came to the conclusion that the superorder brush-headed fish took a direct part in the evolution of amphibians, gave life to the earth to other creatures, and it completely died out.
However, this statement was considered correct only until 1938, when a huge fuss among scientists was made by an unusual fish caught in South Africa. Looking at the next catch in an ordinary fishing trawler, Mrs. Latimer came across a strange blue fish about 150 cm long and about 57 kg in weight. With her find, the woman went to the museum, however, there she could not determine the species of the specimen. Unable to keep the fish alive, Latimer made a stuffed animal with the help of a taxidermist. What was the surprise of the famous Professor Smith, when in this exhibit he saw all the characteristics of a representative of the bristle squad. After a thorough examination and analysis of the find, this fish was named after the woman who revealed it to the light. Now Latimeria chalumnae is the only living brushfish on the planet.
The hype raised around the unusual find made many people rush in search of these strange inhabitants of the ponds. However, the caught coelacanth quickly dies, devoid of natural habitat. That is why the free catch of "resurrected" fish was prohibited and its main populations were taken under the strict protection of the state.
Cysterae coelacanth fish, like their ancient ancestors, are staunch predators. Like millions of years ago, they terrify their victims with a large number of sharp teeth and strong strong fins, reminiscent of the paws of animals. Under cover of night, coelacanths lurk their prey in shelters: squid and smaller fish. However, they themselves can easily become a dinner for larger predators, which are sharks.
The largest specimens of this species reach a length of about 2 m and weigh almost 100 kg. The body length of the newborn coelacanth cub is about 33 cm. Scientists believe that babies grow quite slowly, but due to their tendency to long life, they eventually grow into rather large specimens.
