In a fresh development for marine biodiversity, Marine Journal Maldives has reported the discovery of a new fish species in the pristine waters of the Maldives.

The Plectranthias raki, known as the Maldivian Perchlet or Raki Buraki, marks a significant addition to marine science and the Serranidae family.

The discovery emerged from a joint expedition conducted by local and international researchers in partnership with Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI). Deep within the mesophotic zone at Kuramathi Outer Reef, Rasdhoo Atoll, this elusive species was found flourishing at depths between 100 and 125 metres.

Despite its modest size of just 2-3 inches, the fish captivates with its striking orange and white patterning. True to its name – raki meaning shyness in Dhivehi – the species exhibits remarkably timid behaviour. While currently documented across several Maldivian atolls, from Alifu Alifu to Dhaalu, this unique creature appears to be endemic to Maldivian waters.

The discovery, published in the scientific journal ZooKeys, highlights the remarkable biodiversity of the Maldives' mysterious "twilight zone" – the mesophotic region where sunlight barely penetrates the depths.

Photo: Zookeys

This finding underscores the critical importance of continued marine exploration in Maldivian waters, hinting at countless undiscovered wonders that may still lurk in the archipelago's deeper marine environments.