In a discovery that rewrites marine biology books, Indonesian scientists have found a living Latimeria menadoensis, an ancient coelacanth species, at a depth of 145 meters off the coast of North Maluku.
Often referred to as a "living fossil," this rare fish was believed extinct until it was first rediscovered in modern times, and its presence in Indonesian waters marks the first confirmed live sighting in the country.
The research team from Universitas Pattimura documented the species during a deep-sea scientific expedition, capturing detailed images and collecting valuable environmental data around its habitat.
This coelacanth species, which has survived virtually unchanged for over 400 million years, offers a unique glimpse into Earth’s evolutionary history and underscores Indonesia’s role as a hotspot for marine biodiversity.
