It was once believed that the coelacanth had become extinct in the distant past. Then, in 1938, a coelacanth was caught off the South African coast.
Kunagi arvati, et õõnesogalised on juba ammu välja surnud, kuni 1938. aastal püüti Lõuna - Aafrika ranniku lähedalt üks selle rühma esindaja.