Latest news with #FacultyofFisheriesandAquacultureSciences
The Sun
06-08-2025
- Science
- The Sun
New fish species Rogadius azizahae discovered in Malaysian waters
KUALA NERUS: A researcher from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has identified a new fish species named Rogadius azizahae in the South China Sea. The discovery underscores Malaysia's marine biodiversity and opens avenues for further ecological research. Dr Tun Nurul Aimi Mat Jaafar of UMT's Faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences confirmed the species was found during a 2016 expedition. The study, conducted with the Department of Fisheries, explored demersal fisheries resources along the east coast. The fish, part of the flathead family, received formal recognition from Zootaxa, an international taxonomic authority. Its classification was published in the Journal of Fish Biology on August 4, 2025. Three specimens were collected at depths of 53 to 58 metres during the joint expedition. The team included UMT researchers, fisheries officers, and students. Rogadius azizahae, locally called Baji Azizah, measures 10–11 cm and has distinct dark pelvic fin patterns. Its translucent white centre aids in deep-sea camouflage. Dr Tun Nurul noted the species' flat, brownish body helps it blend into the seabed. This adaptation makes it challenging to spot during surveys. The discovery highlights the South China Sea's untapped biodiversity. It presents opportunities for studying benthic fish communities and refining conservation strategies. The species' name honours Prof Dr Siti Azizah Mohd Nor for her contributions to molecular ecology. Her work supports fish biodiversity conservation in Malaysia. Prof Siti Azizah emphasised the need for further research on the species' ecological role. Protecting marine life strengthens ecosystem resilience against climate change. – Bernama
Focus Malaysia
06-08-2025
- Science
- Focus Malaysia
New fish species named Rogadius Azizahae after Professor Dr Siti Azizah
A TEAM from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has identified a new species of fish, Rogadius azizahae, found in the South China Sea, marking a significant milestone in marine biodiversity research. Dr Tun Nurul Aimi Mat Jaafar, from UMT's Faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, shared that the discovery took place during a scientific expedition in June 2016, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. The team collected specimens off the coasts of Terengganu and Johor as part of the Demersal Fisheries Resources Scientific Expedition within Malaysia's Eastern Exclusive Economic Zone. The newly discovered species, which belongs to the flathead family, was later formally recognised by Zootaxa, an international authority on taxonomy. It was officially documented in the Journal of Fish Biology on 4 August 2025. 'These three specimens were found at depths between 53 and 58 metres during the scientific expedition involving UMT researchers, Department of Fisheries officers, and students,' Dr Tun Nurul Aimi said during a press briefing at UMT. Commonly referred to as Baji Azizah, the fish is relatively small—only about 10 to 11 centimetres in length—and features distinctive dark markings on its pelvic fins, with a semi-translucent white midsection. According to Dr Tun, the fish's flat body and brownish hue enable it to blend seamlessly with the ocean floor, making it extremely challenging to spot. 'These traits allow the species to camouflage naturally by blending into the deep-sea sand,' she explained. She added that this find underscores the untapped biodiversity within Malaysian waters, particularly in the South China Sea. 'This opens vast opportunities for further research into deep-sea fish communities in Malaysian waters that have yet to be fully explored,' she said. 'In fact, it also paves the way for UMT to strengthen conservation efforts, enhance understanding of marine ecosystems, and reinforce national fisheries resource management policies.' The species name azizahae was chosen in honour of UMT's senior research fellow, Professor Dr Siti Azizah Mohd Nor, who has made impactful contributions to molecular ecology and fish biodiversity conservation in Malaysia. Prof Siti Azizah, who was also present at the press conference, noted that more in-depth studies are planned to better understand the ecological role and characteristics of the species. 'We still don't know the detailed traits of this fish, but every species and marine life must be protected to ensure the richness of marine biodiversity,' she said. 'A higher biodiversity within an ecosystem is better as it increases resilience, especially in facing global climate change issues that affect both wildlife and humanity,' she added. —Aug 6, 2025 Main image: Bernama
