French Divers Capture Images of a “Living Fossil” in the Indonesian Seabed

Complex topography recalls the known habitats of the coelacanth. Suddenly, the long -awaited silhouette is emerging. A fish with a thick body, midnight blue, punctuated with white spots, floats above a rock covered with sponges and soft corals. The moment is suspended. For several minutes, the two men observe the animal which evolves slowly, without flight or panic. The next day, they find the same specimen a few meters away, identifiable with its unique distribution of white dots on the sides.

This exceptional face-to-face has not argued by magic. For two years, Alexis Chappuis studied the underwater cartography of the archipelago, in search of cold and rugged areas that can host the species. More than fifty dives were necessary to locate this specific site, now kept secret to protect it. This scientific adventure was told in detail in the journal Scientific Reports, which salutes this first in situ observation of a coelacanthe living in the province of Maluku.

What the coelacanth reveals about the origins of earthly life

Long considered disappeared for millions of years, the Coelacanthe reappeared by surprise in 1938 off South Africa. Since then, two species have been identified. Latimeria Chalumnae, present in the Western Indian Ocean, and Latimeria Menadoensis, the Indonesian species filmed here. Although it is sometimes described as “living fossil”, this term does not do justice to its evolution, slow but real.

Coelacanth fascinates scientists for its unique anatomical characteristics. It has articulated fleshy fins that evoke members, a vestige of internal lung and a two -part skull. So many features that make it a precious model to understand the transition between fish and first terrestrial vertebrates.

The observed Indonesian specimen measured approximately 1.10 meters, and contrary to popular belief, it was not hidden in a cave. He evolved uncovered, swimming slowly around a rocky promontory. This posture, fins deployed and without leakage behavior, thus suggests a more flexible behavior than expected in this species long deemed sedentary.

Preserve a discreet but vital habitat for the marine balance

The coelacanthes live in deep areas, between 100 and 400 meters, where extreme conditions dissuade most human explorations. This natural discretion does not, however, protect them from threats. Plastic pollution, rise in temperatures, underwater noise and extreme tourism projects jeopardize their survival. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature classifies the Indonesian species as vulnerable. His very slow pace of life accentuates his vulnerability. He only reaches sexual maturity from 55 years old. Gestation lasts about five years, which therefore strongly slows the renewal. Its longevity, on the other hand, can exceed one hundred years, which makes each individual even more precious.

The discovery of this specimen in Moluccas does not yet prove the existence of an established population, but it strongly suggests the possibility. Between Sulawesi and Western Papua, several deep marine areas are still unexplored. The observation site confirms that suitable habitats exist in this region, and that they could host other individuals. It is therefore essential to preserve these areas from any disturbance.

The research team now hopes to be able to conduct non -invasive studies to collect genetic data directly in a natural environment. This type of approach, without sampling or capture, would make it possible to better understand the distribution, diversity and movements of Indonesian coelacanths. And thus, propose targeted protective measures for one of the most enigmatic fish on our planet.