Coelacanths were thought to have become extinct in the Late Cretaceous, around 66 million years ago, but were rediscovered in 1938 off the coast of South Africa.

When was the coelacanth rediscovered?

Coelacanths | National Geographic. Thought to have been long extinct, scientists discovered these "living fossils" in 1938.

How were coelacanth rediscovered?

The coelacanth was rediscovered in 1938 by Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, a thirty-two year old museum employee from the small South African town of East London. ... Out of curiosity Courtenay-Latimer looked through his catch and found a fish she was unable to identify.