Neotrygon is a genus of stingrays commonly dispersed in the Indo-West Pacific.

Frequently called the maskrays, these animals are identified from others in the household Dasyatidae by their dark band in the interorbital area, a black-and-white banding on the posterior half of the tail and 2 papillae in the mouth.

Presently, there are 17 legitimate Neotrygon types, 10 of which have actually been explained because 2016.

Most of these types (14) are thought about to come from a blue-spotted maskray complex.

The newly-discovered types becomes part of this complex and is discovered just in Fijian waters.

Called Neotrygon romeoiit was long puzzled with Neotrygon kuhlii and Neotrygon trigonoides

“It sticks out with its broad, angular snout, long claspers in men, and a row of thorn-like spinal columns ranging from the neck to the base of the tail,” stated Dr. Kerstin Glaus, a scientist at the University of the South Pacific.

“The ray’s brown back is embellished with dark mask-like markings throughout the eyes, 2 big spots behind the spiracles, and various little black areas– specifically around the face.”

Neotrygon romeoi was explained based upon 9 specimens (31-39.7 cm disc width) purchased from the Suva Fish Market and gathered from regional anglers. Significantly, no rays were eliminated particularly for the research study.

“Rays are amongst the most threatened marine organisms,” Dr. Glaus stated.

“Given the Fiji maskray’s minimal variety, high catch rate, and unidentified biography, we suggest that it be thought about for defense under Fiji’s Endangered and Protected Species Act, which to name a few uses to endemic sharks and rays and assists save native biodiversity by controling trade, defense, and usage of types at threat.”

“This discovery highlights Fiji’s distinct natural heritage and the immediate requirement to much better comprehend and safeguard our marine types,” included Lavenie Tawake, group leader for the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) program.

The discovery of Neotrygon romeoi is reported in a paper released in the Journal of Fish Biology

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Kerstin Glaus et alA brand-new blue-spotted Maskray types (NeotrygonDasyatidae) from Fiji. Journal of Fish Biologyreleased online June 9, 2025; doi: 10.1111/ jfb.70094