Coelacanth, Coelacanthus banffensis and Whitea sp.

Collectors' Tips

Fossil coelacanths are important scientific specimens, and should only be collected by people trained to collect and store them safely. If you find one, contact a museum or university. Most countries have laws which protect these fragile specimens as part of their national heritage.

Specimens in the Museum's collections are often stored on shelves like these.

The Canadian Museum of Nature stores its fossil coelacanth and other paleontological specimens in special, climate-controlled rooms. Large specimens, like the Whiteia shown here, are kept on wooden pallets on heavy-duty open shelving which is draped in plastic to keep out dust. Smaller specimens, like the Coelacanthus banffensis, are kept in custom-designed steel cabinets for even better protection.