New Fish Species Discovered in the Maldives: Raki Bureki
Photo: Luiz Rocha
A new fish species, Plectranthias raki, has been officially recorded in the Maldives. Known locally as Raki Bureki and internationally as the Maldivian Perchlet, the species was discovered during an expedition conducted by local and international researchers in partnership with the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI).
The fish was first observed in the mesophotic zone at the outer reef of Kuramathi in Rasdhoo Atoll. Found at depths ranging from 100 to 125 metres, this “twilight zone” of the ocean is characterised by limited light and a unique ecosystem teeming with life. The discovery underscores the diversity of the region’s marine environment.
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The species name, raki, derives from the Dhivehi word for “shyness,” reflecting the fish’s elusive behaviour during surveys. It often avoids detection, much like a person displaying shyness.
Measuring only 2–3 inches in length, the Maldivian Perchlet belongs to the Serranidae family, which includes groupers, sea basses, and anthias. Renowned for their vibrant colours and varied forms, members of this family are a striking addition to coral reefs.
ދުނިޔެއިން އަލަށް ރެކޯޑުކުރެވުނު މަހެއް، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެއިން! 🇲🇻
ދެވިފައިވާ ދިވެހި ނަން: ރަކި ބުރެކި
🧵1/5 pic.twitter.com/9GudAYqhxE— މެރީން ޖަރނަލް މޯލްޑިވްސް (@MarineJournalMV) January 18, 2025
This new species was recorded at several locations across the Maldives, from Alif Alif Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll, but has not been found anywhere else in the world.
The discovery of Plectranthias raki highlights the critical importance of ongoing marine research and conservation efforts in the Maldives, as well as the unique biodiversity of the mesophotic ecosystems in the region.
For more information, please visit: https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/135292/
Another new fish species, Chromis abadhah, was also discovered last month during an expedition. This species was recorded at eight locations across the Maldives, spanning an impressive 180 kilometres from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll.
