Latest news with #KerstinGlaus
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Incredible discovery at market after common fish purchase
Next time you're shopping for fresh fish, it might be worth taking a second look at the face of the animal you're selecting for your meal. Because it could be a wild creature that's never been described before. 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. Dead scientist's 'time capsule' in vault key to resurrecting declining spiders Rare frog with less than a thousand in the wild tracked down Irreplaceable 6.5-hectare forest protected for future generations 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. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
New species with light blue spots, black ‘mask' discovered in Fiji fish market
In Fiji, a ray with light blue spots and a mask-like pattern on its face began appearing in the country's fish markets. It closely resembled other species, but displayed several key differences that caught the attention of researchers. 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.
