Cryptozoological websites continue to promote the coelacanth as the icon of cryptozoology. I heartily disagree.
You can see my post about it here: The coelacanth is a red herring. This fish was not “ethno-known” in the same sense as the Yeti, Bigfoot and sea serpents, etc. No one was LOOKING for the fish. Sure, it was a surprise when it was found.
Cryptozoologists use it as an example of what MIGHT be out there yet. It’s ridiculous to think that today’s scientists adhere to Cuvier’s “Rash Dictum” that suggests we already know all the animals out there. We all know there is much left to be discovered in the deep sea and in the dusty, unattended drawers of the museum. It’s not the same and it’s silly and totally unprofessional to suggest such a straw man argument.
The same old examples and lines of evidence are trotted out. It’s been decades and still no progress, nothing new, no body, no type specimen. Every day that goes by that a cryptid is not found in our modern world is another step closer to irrelevance of the field of study. Cryptozoologists are not willing to give up such cherished beliefs and so will take credit from where ever it can be scrounged.
This poor fish has been used as the symbol for the failure of science – but only the science as understood by other bitter, envious groups who can’t match up. Yet, these same groups want to be seen as legitimate. Folks, you can’t have it both ways. You have to play by the rules or drop out of the game. I’ll grant that some try to play by the rules. But, some are obviously out for money, glory and that’s it. If they had a body, they would charge you to see it. Hiding knowledge goes against the core of scientific practice.
So, at the end of the year, we’ll see the typically lists of top stories. 2009 will not have been promising. The silliness goes on just so you will remain distracted from noticing the bag is still empty.