This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
On July 14, 2019, marine biologists made a groundbreaking discovery in the unexplored reef off the coast of Zanzibar, uncovering a new species of fairy wrasse fish.
A team of researchers from the University of Sydney and California Academy of Sciences, under the Hope for Reefs initiative, discovered the new species, which they named Cirrhilabrus Wakanda, in honor of the Marvel storyline.
The discovery was made by Luiz Rocha, a marine biologist, who shared photographs of the new species with Dr. Yi-Kai Tea, a researcher at the University of Sydney.
Dr. Tea, the lead author of the study published in the journal ZooKeys, explained that the team chose to name the new species after Wakanda due to the secretive and isolated nature of the unexplored African reefs.
"When we thought about the secretive and isolated nature of these unexplored African reefs, we knew we had to name this new species after Wakanda," Dr. Tea said.
The newly discovered fairy wrasse, Cirrhilabrus Wakanda, is distinct for its purple scales, which retain their color even when preserved for research, unlike other fish species.
Deep-diving scientists have examined DNA, scales, fin rays, and body structure of the Wakanda fish and determined that it is different from other species already identified in the western Indian Ocean and the Pacific.
The discovery of the vibranium fairy wrasse is expected to be vital for other species across deep-lying coral reefs, scientifically known as "twilight zone" reefs.
Hope for Reefs initiative has stepped up its campaign to explore the twilight zone habitats and ensure that they're protected and preserved.
