Discovery of a New Damselfish Species: Chromis abadhah in the Maldives
| Summary/Static | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in the news? | Discovery of a New Damselfish Species: Chromis abadhah |
| Species Name | Chromis abadhah |
| Meaning of Name | "Perpetual" in Dhivehi; honors the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative. |
| Discovery Location | Mesophotic zone, deep-sea coral reefs, Maldives |
| Recorded Range | 8 locations across 180 km, from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll |
| Unique Features | - Pearly white body with pale blue undertones.- Darker back, lighter below eyes, silvery-blue iris.- Reflective scales below eyes; blue hue fades to reddish-brown when preserved. |
| Ecological Significance | Highlights mesophotic biodiversity; calls for marine ecosystem exploration and conservation. |
| Funding Initiative | Supported by the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative through Luiz Rocha's Rolex Award for Enterprise. |