A new species of fairy wrasse found in the reefs of Maldives and Sri Lanka has been named "Finifenma" making it one of the first ever species to be named in the Maldives mother tongue.
Cirrhilabrus Finifenmaa (Rose-veiled fairy wrasse) was previously misidentified and thought to be Cirrhilabrus Rubrisquamis, a species found in the Chagos which in well known in the aquarium industry.
Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) has stated that "Finifenmaa" meaning rose in Dhivehi was chosen because of its vibrant pink hue resembling the Maldivian National flower, the Pink rose.
New studies have found the areas inhabited by the fish. Cirrhilabrus Finifenmaa is known to be found in the deep reefs of the Maldives and Sri Lanka with a depth range between 40-70m.
The study was recently described and published on Zookeys in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences, University of Sydney, Australian Museum Research Institute, Field Museum of Natural History and the Maldives Marine Research Institute.
"Hope for Reefs" Initiative in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences has found 8 new species that are yet to be described and 5 new records to the Maldives. Senior Research Officer Ahmed "Bappu" Najeeb is leading this effort from MMRI and the Maldives.
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