Vertebrate Zoology

Ichthyology

Basal Fishes

Specimens of basal, or “primitive,” fishes are among the holdings of the fishes collection in the Yale Peabody Museum’s Division of Vertebrate Zoology. Included in the collection are 2 specimens of Latimeria, the coelcanth.

In the study of the natural history of fish, the so-called primitive fishes are of particular interest. These species have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years and serve as living fossils, bridging the gap between fish and tetrapods. The exact relationship of many of these fish to the rest of the vertebrate family tree is debated, and often confusing. Many of the primitive fish seem to be more closely related to amphibians than to other fish. Additionally, many primitive fish have no close living relatives, so their placement within the tree of life is particularly difficult. Studies conducted at the Yale Peabody Museum by investigators, including Keith Stuart Thompson, have improved the understanding of the biology and evolutionary history of these unique fishes.

Coelacanth

The evolutionary history of tetrapods (four-limbed) vertebrates includes critical stages and links between aquatic species and terrestrial species. Among the major species groups that represent the junction between aquatic and terrestrial vertebrate life are the lungfish and the coelacanths.


This model on display in the Museum’s Great Hall is based on a specimen in the Division’s collections.
Before the 1930s the coelacanth was known only from fossil specimens and was thought to be extinct. Its rediscovery in the Indian Ocean allowed for many significant studies of vertebrate evolution to occur. The Yale Peabody Museum has 2 specimens of coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), collected from the Comoro Islands. One of them was of major importance to our understanding of this group of fish as it was probably the first available to researchers in the United States as an unpreserved specimen.

The Yale Peabody Museum’s collections are available to legitimate researchers for scholarly use. Loans are issued to responsible individuals at established institutions. Loans and access to the collection can be arranged through the Collections Manager.

Volunteer Opportunities | Support the Peabody

Go to Top