A new species of damselfish has been discovered in the deep-sea coral reefs of the Maldives. Scientifically named Chromis abadhah, this species has been recorded across eight different locations, spanning a 180-kilometer stretch of the archipelago, from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll. The discovery of this new fish species adds to the Maldives' rich marine biodiversity and highlights the importance of protecting its fragile underwater ecosystems.

The Marine Research Institute, which made the discovery, revealed that Chromis abadhah is likely to be found in other regions of the Maldives as well. Researchers conducted extensive surveys, finding the species at depths ranging from 95 to 110 meters, where it thrives among the coral reefs. The fish has been observed to grow up to 6.9 cm in length, with four specimens captured and analyzed using specialized nets. These specimens provided vital data about the species' behavior, habitat, and ecological role in the region's coral ecosystems.

The discovery of Chromis abadhah is significant for marine science, as the species has never been recorded in any other part of the world. This makes it a unique addition to both the biodiversity of the Maldives and the global catalog of marine species. The new findings underscore the importance of continued exploration and study of the deep-sea environments, which remain some of the least understood and most ecologically important areas of our planet.

According to the Marine Research Institute, this discovery emphasizes the need for increased conservation efforts to preserve the delicate ecosystems in which these species live. Coral reefs, particularly those in deeper waters, are often overlooked in conservation strategies, even though they support a vast range of marine life. The discovery of Chromis abadhah serves as a reminder of the hidden biodiversity that remains to be uncovered in the deep-sea ecosystems of the Maldives and other regions around the world.