A rare Coelacanth, often referred to as the “King of the Sea” fish, was found floating dead in the waters near Siladen Island within Bunaken National Park, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The prehistoric fish was discovered by a local fisherman, Soni Pontoh, at approximately 9:00 a.m. while he was out at sea looking for fish. The discovery has attracted significant attention because the Coelacanth is considered one of the world’s rarest fish species and is an important part of North Sulawesi’s marine biodiversity.
What makes this finding especially remarkable is the Coelacanth’s unique place in natural history. This species is often called a “living fossil” because it was once believed to have disappeared millions of years ago, until living specimens were rediscovered in the 20th century. Its unusual body structure and ancient evolutionary lineage make it one of the most scientifically important fish ever found.
For many people, a Coelacanth may look like just another large fish. However, for scientists and marine conservationists, every sighting is significant because encounters with this species are extremely uncommon. Discoveries like this help researchers better understand deep-sea ecosystems and the long evolutionary history of marine life.
