A new species of perchlet, Plectranthias raki, has been identified in the mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) of the Maldives, found at depths between 100 and 125 metres. The discovery was made by a research team comprising members from the California Academy of Sciences, the University of São Paulo, and the Maldives Marine Research Institute. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys.
Named raki, meaning “feeling shy to confront people” in Dhivehi, the species reflects its naturally elusive behaviour. Plectranthias species are known for their cryptic nature, often retreating from researchers during surveys.
Plectranthias raki, also known as Maldivian Plectranthias, is distinguished by its white to light pink body, adorned with red-orange to yellow-orange patches along its back, and golden-yellow markings on its gills. The fish, measuring approximately 7.5 cm in length, was observed and collected using advanced diving techniques, including mixed-gas closed-circuit rebreathers.
With this discovery, the genus Plectranthias now comprises 67 valid species, according to the study.
This discovery follows the identification of another deep-sea species, Chromis abadhah, by the same research team in the Maldives in early December last year. Found at a depth of around 101 metres, Chromis abadhah was noted for its striking pearly white and blue markings.