Sarcopterygii Collection

Shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex) female feeding on a Spotted African lungfish (Protopterus dolloi) in the swamps of Mabamba, Lake Victoria, Uganda.. Sequence 2/13

Shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex) feeding on a Spotted African lungfish (Protopterus dolloi) in the swamps of Mabamba, lake Victoria, Uganda

Shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex) feeding on a Spotted African lungfish (Protopterus dolloi) in the swamps of Mabamba, Lake Victoria, Uganda

A Lungfish resting out of water at London Zoo in September 1928 (b / w photo)
3618633 A Lungfish resting out of water at London Zoo in September 1928 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; British

Metriorhynchus marine reptiles try to capture a Coelacanth fish
Two Metriorhynchus marine reptiles try to capture a Coelacanth fish in Jurassic seas

Illustration of the fin of a prehistoric Fleshy-finned fish (Sarcopterygii)

Illustration of the skulls of four vertebrates, fleshy-finned fish (Sarcopterygii), early tetrapod, early reptile, mammal

Two Coelacanth fish swimming undersea. The Coelacanth fish was believed to have become extinct during the Cretaceous Period, but have been discovered to still be living

Coelacanth fish against white background. The Coelacanth fish was believed to have become extinct during the Cretaceous Period, but have been discovered to still be living

Artists concept depicting the evolution of a lobe-finned fish to an amphibian
An ancient lobe-finned fish emerges from the sea, the first link in the evolution to an amphibian like the depicted Diplovertebron

Rhizodus, an extinct predatory lobe-finned fish
Rhizodus is an extinct group of Carboniferous predatory lobe-finned fishes that lived in freshwater

A group of Scaumenacia lobe-finned fish from the Devonian period
A group of prehistoric Scaumenacia lobe-finned fish from the Devonian period

Scaumenacia is an extinct genus of lobe-finned fish
Scaumenacia is an extinct genus of prehistoric lobe-finned fish from the Devonian Period

Dipterus is an extinct freshwater lungfish from the Devonian Period of Australia and Europe

A Shonisaurus Ichthyosaur stabs a Coelacanth fish in Triassic seas
A Shonisaurus Ichthyosaur stabs a Coelacanth fish trying to get away from these predators in a Triassic ocean

Dipterus, an extinct genus of freshwater lungfish
Dipterus is an extinct genus of freshwater lungfish from the Devonian period of Australia and Europe

A Eurhinosaurus reptile preys on a coelacanth fish
A coelacanth fish becomes prey for a Eurhinosaurus marine reptile in a Jurassic ocean

Dipterus is an extinct freshwater lungfish from the Devonian Period of Australia and Europe

A Spinosaurus dinosaur fishing Mawsonias in a mangrove

Rhizodus hibberti, an extinct group of Carboniferous lobe-finned fish
Rhizodus hibberti, an extinct group of Carboniferous predatory lobe-finned fish

Tiktaalik is an extinct lobe-finned fish from the Late Devonian of Canada
Tiktaalik roseae is an extinct lobe-finned fish from the Late Devonian of Canada

Fossil lobe-finned fish C016 / 5601
Fossil lobe-finned fish (Chirodipterus australis). 374 million year old specimen of the early lobe-finned fish (Cheiopterus australis)

Eusthenopteron foordi, reptile fossil C016 / 4970
Eusthenopteron foordi, reptile fossil. This specimen shows the head and pectoral fin. This reptile dates from the Upper Devonian. The specimen is from Scaumenac Bay, P.Q. Canada

Eusthenopteron foordi
A fossil specimen of the head and pectoral fin of Eusthenopteron foordi, an Upper Devonian reptile from Scaumenac Bay, P.Q. Canada

Chirodipterus australis, early lobe-finned fish
A 374 million year old specimen of the early lobe-finned fish (Cheiopterus australis). Originating from the Late Devonian, Gogo, Western Australia

Eusthenopteron foordi, early lobe-finned fish
A 374 million year old specimen of a lobe-finned fish from the Late Devonian, Canada

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"Sarcopterygii: A Journey Through Ancient Aquatic Life" In the depths of time, Sarcopterygii, a remarkable group of fleshy-finned fish, emerged as pioneers in the evolution of life. From the prehistoric illustrations showcasing their unique fins to the captivating moments captured by photographers and artists alike, these ancient creatures continue to fascinate us. Witnessing nature's spectacle, we find ourselves captivated by a female Shoebill stork delicately feeding on a Spotted African lungfish. The intricate dance between predator and prey unfolds before our eyes—a testament to the interconnectedness of life. Traveling back in time, we stumble upon an intriguing black-and-white photograph taken at London Zoo in September 1928. It portrays a Lungfish resting out of water—an extraordinary glimpse into its adaptation for survival in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Venturing deeper into history's embrace, we encounter Metriorhynchus marine reptiles relentlessly pursuing Coelacanth fish—a battle frozen forever in fossil records. These encounters remind us that survival is not guaranteed but earned through resilience and adaptability. As we delve further into Sarcopterygii's legacy, an artist's concept reveals their evolutionary journey from lobe-finned fish to amphibians—highlighting their pivotal role in shaping Earth's biodiversity. Their transition paved the way for early tetrapods, reptiles, mammals—the very foundations upon which our world stands today. Amongst this rich tapestry of existence lies Rhizodus—an extinct predatory lobe-finned fish that once ruled ancient waters with its formidable presence. Its sheer size and power leave us awestruck as we imagine what it must have been like to witness such magnificence firsthand. Finally, swimming gracefully beneath tranquil waves are two Coelacanth fish—a living relic from another era—reminding us that amidst constant change; some species withstand the test of time.