Incredible discovery at market after common fish purchase
Researchers shopping at a small market in Fiji tested one commonly traded stingray and discovered it was an entirely new species. Dr Kerstin Glaus, a research fellow at the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership, tested the animal's DNA and took detailed measurements of its body parts, focusing on the eyes, tail and fins.
'It stands out with its broad, angular snout, long claspers in adult males, and a row of thorn-like spines running from the neck to the base of the tail,' she said.
'The ray's brown back is decorated with dark mask-like markings across the eyes, two large blotches behind the spiracles, and numerous small black spots — especially around the face.'
Fish confused with other similar species
The newly described Fiji maskray has regularly been confused with similar-looking species like the blue-spotted stingray, which is found at the bottom of coral reefs in Australia, and the Coral Sea maskray. But it has never been described in detail until now.
The animals were bought at Suva Fish Market after they were caught by local fishermen, and not killed directly for the study.
Until recently, all maskrays were grouped under one scientific name, Neotrygon kuhlii, but there are now 17 species, with most described since 2016. The animal found in Fiji's fish markets has been named Neotrygon romeoi, in honour of Glaus's father Romeo.
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Similar delineations are being made across numerous other animal types, particularly reptiles and invertebrates, as DNA and physical analysis methods improve. This is important because if they're not described, entire species can be wiped out without anyone knowing they existed.
'Properly identifying and naming the species is a critical step toward managing its population and ensuring sustainable use,' Glaus said.
Neotrygon romeoi is only found in Fiji, and because of its limited range and high-catch rate, Glaus has recommended it be protected under the nation's protected and endangered species act. The species discovery has been chronicled in the Journal of Fish Biology.
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