Wildlife
Lobe-finned fishes (Sarcopterygii) contain the coelacanths, the lungfish and various other extinct groups. This class of fish was ancestral to all of the four-legged vertebrates: amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The bones of the pelvis, shoulder girdle and fins of lobe-finned fishes resembles a primitive, limb-like structure.
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Fish types
Specialised SCUBA allows underwater demonstration of fish differences.
This sequence from the early 1980s shows one of the early instances of underwater presenting. It became possible as a result of the developments in full face plates which allowed Sir David not only to be able to deliver his commentary but to be recorded clearly during a dive.
Fish development
Jaws were a significant development in the evolution of fish.
Jaws were a significant development in the evolution of fish.
The following habitats are found across the Lobe-finned fishes distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
The Sarcopterygii /ˌsɑrkɒptəˈrɪdʒi.aɪ/ or lobe-finned fish (from Greek σαρξ sarx, flesh, and πτερυξ pteryx, fin) – sometimes considered synonymous with Crossopterygii ("fringe-finned fish", from Greek κροσσός krossos, fringe) – constitute a clade (traditionally a class or subclass) of the bony fish, though a strict classification would include the terrestrial vertebrates. The living sarcopterygians are the coelacanths, lungfish, and the tetrapods.
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Deep ocean
Lakes and ponds
Shallow seas
Rivers and streams
Temporary pools
