Scientists have discovered a new type of fish belonging to the Perchlet family in the Maldives.

The fish, which was found at a depth of about 387 feet, was named Plectranthias raki, or the shy perchlet.

“This was chosen because Plectranthias are shy by nature and typically hide from us when we are conducting surveys,” researchers said.

It was "seen inhabiting small holes of reef walls at several locations between Rasdhoo and Dhaalu atolls at approximately."

The fish was discovered in a joint study by foreign scientists and the Maldives Marine Research Centre.

Different species of the Perchlet family are commonly found in Sri Lanka. They are widely used as bait for fishing.