New species with light blue spots, black ‘mask' discovered in Fiji fish market
Some experts identified it as Neotrygon kuhlii, or the blue-spotted stingray, while others said it was a different species called Neotrygon trigonoides, also known as the Caledonian maskray.
However, researchers said 'no attempts' had ever been made to verify the identity of the unique-looking creature, according to a study published June 9 in the Journal of Fish Biology.
DNA testing revealed it was likely a new cryptic maskray species, or one that closely resembles a known species but is genetically distinct, according to the study.
Additional analysis of nine specimens acquired from local fishermen and Fiji fish markets confirmed they belonged to a new species, which researchers named Neotrygon romeoi, or the Fiji maskray, according to the study.
The species has also appeared in iNaturalist records, according to a June 10 Fish in the News Facebook post.
The new species is described as being large and having a 'broadly angled snout' and 'thornlets' down its back, according to the study. It is brownish with a 'dark mask-like marking covering across and between the eyes,' researchers said.
It also has 'numerous black pepper-like spots mainly concentrated in masked area' and small, dark-edged pale blue to whitish spots, according to the study.
The Fiji maskray can be found nearshore or at depths of at least 75 feet in seagrass beds, sandy bottom areas and around coral reefs, researchers said.
The species is 'mostly solitary,' but can occasionally be found in pairs or groups of up to five, the study said.
Researchers said the new species is known only from the Fiji Islands and may 'warrant inclusion in Fiji's Endangered and Protected Species Act.' It 'appears to be widespread' across the archipelago, researchers said.
The specimens were collected from Fiji's Viti Levu Island.
The research team included Kerstin Glaus, William T. White, Helen L. O'Neill, Sarah Thurnheer and Sharon A. Appleyard.
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