The living fossil without a backbone, the coelacanth, swims as if walking with its impressive pectoral and pelvic fins that seem capable of walking on land. These fins feature large bones and joints not seen in other fish, suggesting that the coelacanth may have retained characteristics from the transition of fish to amphibians. Additionally, the lack of a backbone is a significant feature. Instead of a rigid spine, it has a hose-like structure called the notochord, extending from the head to the tail fin and filled with an oil-like fluid.

The gestation period is more than 5 years, and the lifespan is around 100 years. Female coelacanths, which give birth to live young, carry offspring for over 5 years, and it takes approximately 55 years for the born offspring to reach maturity. Coelacanths feed on fish and squid, such as mackerel.

The taste is extremely unpleasant and may cause diarrhea. They release mucus from their scales, which, combined with the excessive oil secreted from their bodies, makes them a very slimy fish.

[veterinarian's animal trivia]

▼Hidenobu Toriyoshi - Brief Biography:

He completed his doctoral program at the Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, earning a Doctor of Medicine degree and obtaining a veterinarian license. Additionally, he is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the California Veterinary Medical Association. He also teaches at the Veterinary School Graduate School and serves as the director of an animal hospital. He has also experienced false accusations.

He has accumulated experience as a veterinarian at places like SeaWorld Aquarium in Florida and the San Diego Zoo in California, dealing with the treatment of various animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and invertebrates. His skills are highly regarded worldwide, contributing to the treatment of a staggering twenty thousand species of animals.

He received the "Modest McLean Award" from the American Veterinary Medical Association, marking the first time for a Japanese individual to achieve this honor. He is truly a rare veterinarian, known as the "Doctor of Rare Animals."


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Hidenobu Toriyoshi's biography is as follows:

Hidenobu Toriyoshi graduated from the Tokyo University, Graduate School of Medicine with a doctorate and obtained qualifications as a medical doctor and a veterinarian. Additionally, he is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the California Veterinary Medical Association. He also serves as a professor at the Veterinary Medicine Graduate School and is the director of an animal hospital. He has personally experienced being a victim of a wrongful accusation.

He gained veterinary experience at locations such as SeaWorld Aquarium in Florida and the San Diego Zoo in California, working on the treatment of various animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and invertebrates. His skills have been highly acclaimed worldwide, and he has contributed to the treatment of over 20,000 species.

He received the "Modest Maclean Award" from the American Veterinary Medical Association, marking a groundbreaking achievement as the first Japanese recipient.
He is truly recognized as a rare veterinarian and a doctor of exotic animals.
"One of the world's top veterinarian who treats everything from insects and fish to elephants and whales."

Professor Dr. Hidenobu Toriyoshi, D.V.M., D.M.Sc., Ph.D. : Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo