RARE Triassic Coelacanth Fish Fossil

Description: Just described in 2006, this is a rare coelacanth known as Guizhoucoelacanthus, which was erected on the basis of a single specimen and assigned to the Coelacanthidae. In 2009 another better preserved specimen was found that allowed for addition study which placed it in the family Whiteiidae. There are at present some five different species of coelacanths known from China spanning from the Upper Permian to the Upper Triassic. This one is a juvenile some 25% the size of the largest known example. It shows most of the diagnostic features of coelacanths, including the rhomboid three lobed tail with supplementary lobe (tassel). I have included a full skeletal reconstruction to make understanding the features seen here more clear. To my knowledge this taxon has never been offered before.

Reference:
Vertebrata PalAsiatica, (7), pp165-177, 2009.