The Rose-Veiled Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Finifenmaa) was officially declared a newly discovered species this month. The mesmerizing multicolored fish was uncovered by a team of scientists off the coast of the Maldives, found between 131 and 229 feet below sea level. The new species draws attention to the vivid and bright mix of colors.
It has always been foreign scientists who have described species found in the Maldives without much involvement from local scientists, even those that are endemic to the Maldives. This time it is different and getting to be part of something for the first time has been really exciting, especially having the opportunity to work alongside top ichthyologists on such an elegant and beautiful species.
Ahmed Najeeb (study co-author and Maldives Marine Research Institute biologist)
H/T: Colossal, Moss & Fog, California Academy of Sciences.
