A Comorian fisherman brings up a huge parrot fish that looks like a coelacanth. The blurred video of this capture causes a life emotion in the country. The prefect of the northern region of Grande-Comore was asked to investigate. His conclusions confirm the version of the fisherman.

The announcement of the fishing of a coelacanth in Hantsindzi, a village in the north-east of the island of Grande-Comore has shocked the country. This "fossil" fish was considered extinct. It has not evolved for 350 million years. It was caught by chance in 1938. Was it the first time?

Since then, the marine dinosaur has become the symbol of the archipelago. Moreover, the players of the national soccer team are nicknamed the coelacanths.

The fisherman who was filmed with his 1.30 m catch immediately explained that he had not caught a coelacanth, but a greenish colored fish. It vaguely resembles the prehistoric species, but it belongs to the family Scaridae (parrot fish). Artisans working by pirogue go to the platier where humpback parrots are legion.

The prefecture has opened an investigation

Immediately, the Comorian authorities asked the prefect of the northern region to go to the site and meet the fisherman. In a statement Ben Soudjay, the representative of the state stressed that he had discussed with the fishermen and their families. There is no doubt that the fish, consumed since, was not a coelacanth.

Scientists, in charge of the study of this vulnerable species, have been working for years with the local population. Comorian fishermen are aware of the need to protect the fossil fish.

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© Photo Credit : NBC News

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