In their natural habitat, coelacanths appear as distinctive and somewhat eerie-looking fish. Their appearance is adapted to their deep-sea environment where there is limited light. Here's what they look like in their natural habitat:
1. Coloration: Coelacanths are typically blue-grey or dark in color, which helps them blend into the dimly lit deep-sea surroundings.
2. Lobed Fins: They have lobed, fleshy pectoral and pelvic fins, which resemble limbs and are used for maneuvering in the water. These fins are equipped with thin rays that are not easily visible in their natural environment.
3. Bony Plates: Coelacanths have thick, bony scales covering their bodies, giving them a rugged appearance and providing protection from the high-pressure conditions in their habitat.
4. Spiny Dorsal Fins: They have a pair of dorsal fins with spines that can be raised as a defense mechanism.
5. Unique Tail: Their tail is divided into three lobes, which helps with stability and movement.
Coelacanths are well adapted to their deep-sea home, where they are primarily active during the night, preying on other deep-sea creatures. Their appearance is a result of their evolutionary history and the challenges of their environment.