{"id":15837,"date":"2025-07-23T11:29:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T11:29:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/15837\/"},"modified":"2025-07-23T11:29:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T11:29:08","slug":"incredible-discovery-at-market-after-common-fish-purchase","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/15837\/","title":{"rendered":"Incredible discovery at market after common fish purchase"},"content":{"rendered":"

Next time you\u2019re shopping for fresh fish<\/a>, it might be worth taking a second look at the face of the animal you\u2019re selecting for your meal. Because it could be a wild creature that\u2019s never been described before.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s DNA and took detailed measurements of its body parts, focusing on the eyes, tail and fins.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ray\u2019s brown back is decorated with dark mask-like markings across the eyes, two large blotches behind the spiracles, and numerous small black spots \u2014 especially around the face.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fish confused with other similar species<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The animals were bought at Suva Fish Market after they were caught by local fishermen, and not killed directly for the study.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Fish sold at markets are usually marked with common names, making it hard to understand which specific species you are buying. Source: Michael Dahlstrom<\/p>\n

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\u2019s fish markets has been named Neotrygon romeoi, in honour of Glaus\u2019s father Romeo.<\/p>\n

Similar delineations are being made across numerous other animal types, particularly reptiles<\/a> and invertebrates, as DNA and physical analysis methods improve. This is important because if they\u2019re not described, entire species can be wiped out without anyone knowing they existed.<\/p>\n

\u201cProperly identifying and naming the species is a critical step toward managing its population and ensuring sustainable use,\u201d Glaus said.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s protected and endangered species act. The species discovery has been chronicled in the\u00a0Journal of Fish Biology.<\/a><\/p>\n

Love Australia’s weird and wonderful environment? \ud83d\udc0a\ud83e\udd98\ud83d\ude33 Get our new newsletter<\/a> showcasing the week\u2019s best stories.<\/p>\n

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