Dinofish

In December 1938, the small coastal town of East London, South Africa, is jolted by a discovery: a living fossil surfaces when a trawler pulls up a Coelacanth—a large blue fish with limb-like fins, armored scales, and a tail unlike any modern relative. It is thought to have died out 70 million years ago, and has remained hidden in the deep sea until now. This ancient survivor challenges scientists to reconsider the evolutionary story that connects fish to amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. The story is narrated by James D’Arcy.

A new research team led by Dr Richard Pyle prepares to reestablish contact with these ancient beings, but the mission demands intense training and careful planning due to the technical and dangerous nature of deep-sea exploration.

Using specialized diving equipment, they descend to depths of over 380 feet, into the region known as the Twilight Zone, where hundreds of new fish species have been documented and where the Coelacanth is found.

After a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Sodwana, huge numbers of Coelacanths begin to appear off the coast of Tanzania. Advanced DNA research reveals that these Coelacanths may not be stray individuals but belong to a genetically distinct, reproducing group—a possible new species.

Richard dispatches a reconnaissance team to Tanzania to investigate. Their chances of success are slim, but if they are, it could open a new chapter in the Coelacanth story and bring us closer to understanding this living fossil.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:22