Crossopterygii fish are one of the oldest species of fish known to man.Prior to the beginning of the twentieth century they were considered extinct for about 70 mln. Years ago.Their fossilized remains have been found in many freshwater and marine waters of the planet.Careful examination of fossils has allowed scientists to suggest that these fish belong to the category rather serious predators.Numerous conical teeth, powerful muscles and a pretty decent body length (from 7 cm to 5 m) made the animal a serious contender in any aquatic environment.
its name crossopterygian fish received from the unusual structure of the skeleton of fleshy fins.It consisted of several branched in the form of brush segments.This structure not only the fins allows the fish to spend quite a lot of time at the bottom of the pond, but also to successfully move along the bottom with the help of fins.The main result of these movements become quite powerful musculature.
weighed all this data, modern scientists have come to the conclusion that the general characteristics of the fish makes it possible to draw a parallel between Crossopterygii fish and the first amphibians.This conclusion is based on some interesting features available to both classes.One evidence of this theory has been named Tiktaalik.Being related to Crossopterygii fish, endowed with good looks crocodile, it had the largest number of features, combining it with amphibians.He had a double breath and pulmonary gill and fin is almost reminiscent of the structure of animal limbs.
Based on all the above science has come to the conclusion that the fish superorder crossopterygian took direct part in the evolution of amphibians, gave life to other creatures on earth, and he is completely extinct.
However, this assertion was considered correct only until 1938, when a huge buzz among scientists has produced an unusual fish caught in South Africa.Looking at another catch in the usual fishing trawler, Ms. Latimer came across a strange blue fish length of about 150 cm and weighing about 57 kg.For his discovery of the woman went to the museum, however, it was not able to determine the specific membership instance.Not having any possibility to keep the fish alive, Latimer by a taxidermist stuffed produced this creature.What a surprise it was the famous Professor Smith when he saw this exhibit all the characteristics of Representative Crossopterygii squad.After a thorough examination and analysis of the findings of the fish named in honor of the woman who opened her light.Now Latimeria chalumnae - Crossopterygii fish only living on this planet.
brouhaha raised around unusual findings led many people to rush in search of the inhabitants of these strange waters.However, caught coelacanth dies quickly, devoid of natural habitat conditions.It was therefore denied the free catch "resurrected" fishes and its main population took a tough state protection.
Crossopterygii coelacanth fish, like their ancient ancestors, are strong predators.Like millions of years ago, they inspire fear in their victims a lot of sharp teeth and strong sturdy fins resembling legs of animals.Under cover of night in shelters coelacanth await their prey: squid and smaller fish.However themselves can easily become dinner for predators larger, which are the sharks.
largest specimens of this species reach a length of about 2 m and weigh nearly 100 kg.The length of the body of the newborn baby coelacanth is about 33 cm. Scientists believe that kids are growing rather slowly, but thanks to the tendency to long life as a result of growing up in a fairly large specimens.
