Known from the islands of Grand Comoro and Anjouan (Ref. 26162). An estimate of only 210 coelacanth may occur off Grand Comoro, the main habitat (Ref. 26169). An inventory of all known specimens lists 171 specimens that have been caught off the Comoros since 1952 (Ref. 1812). Several individuals have been filmed in 120-400 m depth on barren lava slopes off Grand Comoro (Ref. 11228). May be caught by local fishers fishing for Ruvettus pretiosus at night but is not consumed nor used in any other way (Ref. 11228). Captured by native artisanal fishermen as a bycatch of the oilfish fishery. Increase incentives to catch or land specimens and an illegal trade pose a potential threat. Establishment of marine reserves, including a Coelacanth National Park, has been recommended to the Comoran authorities but not enacted. The Comoran authorities should be made aware of the international importance of the coelacanth. Also Ref. 11228, 46167.