Fossil Fish Found Alive: Discovering the Coelacanth (Carolrhoda Photo Books) [Hardcover]

Sally M. Walker (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9-Walker traces the scientific detective work that led to identification of this species, long thought to be extinct, then describes the subsequent investigations of its physiology, habits, and habitat. In words and photos, she introduces the scientists and fishermen involved in the search as well as the rare specimens, which have not survived in captivity and were so difficult to preserve until mid-century. The author mentions the international politics involved in the ownership of the fish as well as misinterpretations of scientific data. As the text moves through the 20th century to recent discoveries in 2001, the photos change from black-and-white shots to color photos enhanced by modern underwater technology. The author ends by cataloging the questions still to be answered. An outstanding history of scientific inquiry, this title will appeal to future oceanographers and excite them with the news that there is still important research to be done.
Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJ
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. Walker tells the story of the coelacanth, an ancient fish with a distinctive tail, four stubby bottom fins, and spines on its scales. Known from its fossil remains, this type of fish was thought to be extinct until a scientist discovered one in a South African fisherman's catch in 1938. The hunt was on, and since that time other coelacanths have been found in a few other parts of the world and observed in their habitats deep below the surface of the ocean. Walker writes well, making this relatively unknown area of science history an exciting story of exploration and discovery. Excellent, full-color photos illustrate the text. A behind-the-scenes look at the scientists intently engaged in the study of biology. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 72 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575055368
• ISBN-13: 978-1575055367
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 11 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #201,668 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Fish & Sharks
  • #86 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Biology

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Out of the Depths, April 8, 2002

By 

Mary Roman (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fossil Fish Found Alive: Discovering the Coelacanth (Carolrhoda Photo Books) (Hardcover)

The mysteries of the ocean just keep on amazing me! This is a superbly written book about a fish, the coelacanth, that was thought to be extinct. Ms. Walker presents a tremendous amount of material in a highly readable manner. Her well-chosen photographs, drawings, and maps compliment her rich text. Ms. Walker has written clearly, bringing together comprehensive scientific research into a unique story of a unique fish. This is a terrific book and a definite must for any collection of ocean books.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent research--interesting for both children and adults, April 13, 2004

By 

Karen Woodworth Roman "Happy Librarian" (DeKalb, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fossil Fish Found Alive: Discovering the Coelacanth (Carolrhoda Photo Books) (Hardcover)

Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer discovered the fish long believed extinct on December 22, 1938. Walker provides the perfect amount of detail to make for a lively description of the research and discoveries that scientists have made until the present. Photographs and illustrations are excellent. Includes maps, timeline, source notes, selected bibliography, glossary, and index. Karen Woodworth-Roman, Children's Science Book Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Discovering the Coelacanth, June 22, 2008

By 

Miriam Pat Thorpe "Book Lady" (Milwaukee, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fossil Fish Found Alive: Discovering the Coelacanth (Carolrhoda Photo Books) (Hardcover)

Are you interested in dinosaurs, fossils, and archeology? Then the book, "Fossil Fish Found Alive: Discovering the Coelacanth" is a good book for readers of all ages.

Written by Sally M. Walker, this is a good read about a prehistoric fish that should have died out millions of years ago. Bolstered by terrific photographs throughout the book, Ms. Walker tells the very interesting story of the modern discovery of the Coelacanth by Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer on December 22, 1938 in East London, South Africa. Courtenay-Latimer was director of the East London Museum and when she saw the beautiful iridescent blue, five-foot-long fish in a pile with other fish that day, she remarked, "...there appeared the most beautiful fish I had ever seen." The fish had hard scales with spiny points, and its fins were thick and looked like fin-shaped feet. It was a most unusual fish! It was a possibility that this fish might be the missing link, the fish that crawled on land and began the evolution of land animals.

The author takes us through the history of the subsequent searches for more Coelacanths, to further study this amazing fish. She brings us to the present day, where the Coelacanth has been seen in action on the ocean floor by modern submersibles. The book is well written and easy to understand. The author includes a timeline from 1938 to 2001 that tells the story of the research done on the Coelacanth, and includes a glossary of terms so that everyone can understand this amazing tale.

I highly recommend this book to children and adults from ages 8 to 99.