Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN)– The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi announced the discovery of a new species of eagle ferret fish in the waters of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, according to the official website of the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office, on Tuesday.
This new type of ray, called “Aetomylaeus wafiskii”, was discovered in samples collected from Gulf waters during a survey to assess fish resources, which was carried out by the authority in 2016.
The evaluation included collecting samples of fish and elasmobranchs.
During this time, this species was called the striped eagle’s stinger (Aetomylaeus nichofii), and it is very similar in appearance to the eagle’s minnow.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi monitors a new species of eagle ray in Abu Dhabi waters, which confirms the healthy nature and unique biodiversity of the emirate. The new species was discovered in samples collected during the fish resources survey to assess the state of fish stocks in the territorial waters of the UAE. https://t.co/nD2VAFmPGA
But after conducting a comprehensive examination, experts discovered that it was a new species, and a scientific paper was published describing the physical characteristics of this new species, according to the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office.
Ahmed Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “It is very exciting for us to discover a new species of eagle stingray in Abu Dhabi. This is an important indicator of the health of our marine waters and the abundance of marine biodiversity.”
“Over the past two years, we have discovered a range of species, and I am confident that we can discover more in the future, as long as we continue to adopt rigorous scientific methodologies to ensure credibility,” Al Hashemi added.
Newly described species can be distinguished from similar species such as the eagle’s stinger (Aetomylaeus caeruleofasciatus) and the striped eagle’s stinger (Aetomylaeus nichofii), by having a greater number of pale blue stripes on its back (ie, 8 to 10 stripes), and a greater number of rows of Teeth, and the tail is shorter.
The survey of fish resources carried out by the authority over a period of two years, which is the most comprehensive survey ever to assess the state of fish stocks in the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates, made it possible to collect many samples from the Gulf waters, then examine them, and compare them with other regional variables of the species.
The family of stingrays (Batoidea) is closely related to the family of sharks, which also includes stingrays, skates, guitars, and saws.
The eagle stork is a benthic and semi-ground species that are widespread around the world, and the majority of these species can be found near the coasts.
The vulture’s tent uses its powerful jaws and dental plates to feed on mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and small bony fish.