Scientists have discovered a new species of damselfish in the Maldives.
The 2.7-inch-long fish was caught around 330 feet below the surface in Lhaviyani atoll and has been named Chromis abadhah or the perpetual chromis damselfish.
Maldivian biologist Ahmed Najeeb, who has previously discovered some new species of fish, was among the five researchers who found the Chromis abadhah.
The small blueish fish tucked in the crevices of the coral was captured in a hand net and was taken to the laboratory.
Researchers said its body is “pearly white with pale blue undertones” that get darker along its back and lighter below the eye.
According to the study, Chromis abadhah were found in eight locations throughout the Maldives areas with "small crevices and caves."
The research team includes Luiz A. Rocha, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Ahmed Najeeb, Claudia R. Rocha and Bart Shepherd.
