25 Feb 2026
Prof Bruton Shared a Remarkable Story of the Search for Old Fourlegs with Franschhoek
On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, Prof. Mike Bruton brought the deep-sea mysteries of the Indian Ocean to the Franschhoek Theatre. As a leading expert on the subject, Prof. Bruton shared the incredible story of the coelacanth, a fish once thought to have gone extinct millions of years ago, with a captivated local audience.
The fascination with this topic is easy to understand, as the coelacanth represents a "living fossil" that defies our understanding of time. While we often think of dinosaurs as the ultimate ancient survivors, these fish actually predated them by over 150 million years. When a living specimen was pulled from the waters off East London in 1938, it wasn't just a local curiosity; it was one of the most significant biological discoveries of the 20th century, proving that a lineage we thought was lost to the fossil record was still thriving in the deep.
Research into populations found from the Comoros to Indonesia shows that while the coelacanth’s anatomy has remained largely unchanged for ages, its social behavior and breeding strategies are remarkably advanced. It sits as a unique guardian of evolutionary history, surviving through mass extinctions that wiped out almost everything else. While we often look to the stars for ancient mysteries, this story reminds us that some of the greatest secrets are hidden right here in our own oceans.
Ultimately, the coelacanth’s survival serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature and the importance of ocean conservation. By understanding how "Old Fourlegs" has managed to endure for hundreds of millions of years, we gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. We have the opportunity to be better stewards of our coastline, ensuring that these extraordinary survivors continue to swim in our waters for generations to come.
Keep curious and see you at the next one!