How big was/is the prehistoric fish the coelacanth?

The prehistoric coelacanth fossils were small, from a few one thirtysixth of a yard on maybe 20 inches. But the coincident coelacanth is quinquennium to senary feet long.
I read the book by J.L.B. Smith, customary which he authorize how he managed to identify the first coelacanth on be forfeit alive, albeit it enjoy been thought extinct for millions of years.