"Coelacanth is a rare species of fish, which the world of science regarded as extinct and existed only in fossil records, saying that it lived some 50 million years ago," Tanzanian Marine Parks and Reserves Manager Chikambi Rumisha told AFP.

Rumisha said South African marine scientists suddenly came across coelacanth in 1939, leading to increased scientific interest on the creature.

But Rumisha said that Tanzanian fishermen caught the rare fish on Sunday around Kilwa area, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) south of Dar es Salaam and surrendered it to government authorities.

"This was the second time within six months that the fishermen from the same area have caught coelacanth," Rumisha said.

He said the fish was protected under CITES among the endangered species, pointing out that the existence of rare species of marine creatures in the Indian Ocean closer to the Tanzanian coast indicated that the area was rich in biodiversity.

Pointing out that Tanzanian fishermen recently found a dugong, or seacow, on Mafia island, Rumisha said: "This is testimony that the area is rich in marine biodiversity and concerted effort was now needed in conservation of these endangered creatures."

TERRA.WIRE