Rebellatrix

Rebellatrix

Credit: Michael Skrepnick

A coelacanth species discovered in British Columbia is the only known version of this ancient fish to boast a forked tail. The fast-swimming coelacanth Rebellatrix chasing smaller species of fishes in the Early Triassic ocean west of Pangaea.

Coelacanth Skeleton

Coelacanth Skeleton

Credit: A. Wendruff

The skeleton of the stiff, forked tail of Rebellatrix that indicates its active, high-speed, predatory lifestyle. Specimen in the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.

Drawing of a Strange Coelacanth

Drawing of a Strange Coelacanth

Credit: A. Wendruff

The holotype and outline drawing of Rebellatrix showing the long body with forked tail. Specimen in the Peace Region Palaeontology Research Centre (PRPRC).

Largest Coelacanth Fragment

Largest Coelacanth Fragment

Credit: A. Wendruff

The largest specimen of Rebellatrix, though partial, shows that it grew upwards of 1 meter in length. Specimen in the PRPRC.

Reconstructed Coelacanth

Reconstructed Coelacanth

Credit: A. Wendruff

Reconstruction of the skeleton of Rebellatrix.

Coelacanth Mountain

Coelacanth Mountain

Credit: M. W. H. Wilson

Ganoid Ridge within Wapiti Lake Provincial Park where fossil fish like these were collected. The area was once ocean off the coast of Pangaea.

Modern Coelacanth

Modern Coelacanth

Credit: Alberto Fernandez Fernandez, distributed by Wikimedia under a Creative Commons License

A preserved coelacanth specimen at the Natural History Museum, in Vienna, Austria. Modern coelacanths sport a paddle-like tail.