How To Catch A Coelacanth In Animal Crossing: New Horizons

There are a whopping 80 fish to catch in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, from huge ocean-dwelling sharks to tiny tadpoles in your island's ponds. One of the rarest (and most profitable) of these fish is the coelacanth, an ancient fish once thought to be extinct in real life that is actually still alive and swimming. Luckily, you don't have to do anything extra-special to catch one; you just need to keep an eye on the weather.

By the way, coelacanth is pronounced "see-la-canth." Yes, I only know this because of Animal Crossing.

When To Catch A Coelacanth

Unlike a lot of fish, the coelacanth is available year-round and at all times of the day. However, it only appears when it's raining. Weather in New Horizons isn't tied to real-life weather, so you just have to look out for a random rainy day as you play--it can even start or stop raining throughout an individual day.

In previous Animal Crossing games, you could also catch a coelacanth when it was snowing. However, New Horizons' in-game Critterpedia only lists rain as a weather requirement, not snow. We will update this guide when we can confirm this.

Where To Catch A Coelacanth

Coelacanth only appear in the ocean, and they're represented by the largest shadow. When it's raining, just go to the ocean and keep an eye out for big fish. While you might still get the dreaded sea bass, with a little patience, you should get a coelacanth.

You can also go to a deserted island on a Mystery Tour to catch a coelacanth. Because the weather on these islands can be different from the weather on your own island, it doesn't hurt to check if you're eager to complete your museum or make a quick buck. That said, there's no time limit to catching a coelacanth like with the game's seasonal fish, so it's probably more convenient to wait for rain on your own island.

What To Do With A Coelacanth

Like with other fish and bugs, you have two main options once you've caught a coelacanth: You can donate it to Blathers at the museum or you can sell it for bells. We recommend donating your first catch so you don't forget, then selling any others to Timmy and Tommy at Nook's Cranny or to the special visitor C.J. for 150% of the regular price.

• Nook's Cranny price: 15,000 bells each
• C.J. price: 22,500 bells each

You can also display a coelacanth in a large tank in your home or around the island.