New Coelacanth Species Discovered in China Reveals Ancient Fish Diversity

• Palaeontologists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered a new species of coelacanth, Whiteia anniae , from Early Triassic deposits in Anhui Province, China. The find marks the first record of the genus Whiteia in Asia and expands its known global range, offering new insights into the evolution of these ancient lobe-finned fishes.

Key Discovery

• The fossils, dating back about 249 million years, were unearthed in Maoshankou and belong to a species measuring 41–46 cm in length—larger than most known Whiteia species. The discovery bridges the size gap between smaller African and European species and the much larger Whiteia giganteus of North America.

Evolutionary Significance

• Coelacanths, ancient sarcopterygian fishes that first appeared over 400 million years ago, are often called “living fossils” for their remarkable evolutionary stability. However, the discovery of Whiteia anniae suggests that early coelacanths were more morphologically diverse than previously believed.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Whiteia anniae lived around 249 million years ago (Early Triassic).

• Discovered in Maoshankou, Anhui Province, China.

• First record of the genus Whiteia in Asia.

• Coelacanths belong to subclass Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fishes).

• Study published in Scientific Reports on October 17, 2025.