The Coelecanth [Pronounced: Seel-uh-canth] are fish that live off the coast of Africa. They are fish that remain virtually unchanged from the dinosaur eras because they live in caves about 6oo m. below sea level. Their scales have been used by Africans and Indians (because they live near India too) as sandpaper, and I believe arrowheads too. The scales are made of bone, like shark skin, only a lot harder. The Coelecanth were found in the 19th century (I think) and weren't described as beautiful creatures. They have dull gray scales, and then laced within, are beautiful translucent blue scales. Some Coelecanth have only translucent scales. Coelecanth are currently highly endangered because they come to the surface to spawn, and then leave and Africans take the eggs (or the parents).

Until about 8 years back the Coelecanth was presumed extinct until a specimen was accidentally caught in a fishing net. There is also a preserved specimen on display in an oceanarium in South Africa.

These fish were discovered in the late 1920's or the early 1930's, when a professor began to examine the remains of these fish brought up by fishermen in the various localities.