Fish live at a depth of 40-70 meters.
Near the Maldives at a depth of 40-70 meters under the surface of the Indian Ocean live unusual rainbow fish that never rise to coral reefs. Scientists have found out that they differ in an unusual feature: being born as females, as they mature, they turn into males, reports The Guardian.
Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa is one of many species that have been discovered by scientists in the so-called “twilight zone” (mesophotic zone) of the ocean. It extends to a depth of about 150 meters and contains a large number of different species.
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“The mesophotic zone is one of the least studied areas of coral reefs. This area is generally located at an inconvenient depth – not deep enough for submarine exploration, too difficult for trawling and dredging, and too deep for diving using traditional scuba diving techniques,” said Yee-Kai Thea, Research Fellow at the Australian Museum – research institute in Sydney
To study and describe species that live in the “twilight zone,” scientists use special diving equipment that recirculates exhaled air rather than blowing bubbles directly into the water. By carefully controlling gas composition, removing excess carbon dioxide and adding more oxygen as needed, rebreather divers can extend their dive time to 100 meters.
Rainbowfish were described in 2022. Translated from the Divehi language, finifenmaa means “rose”. This is a reference to the color of the fish and the Maldivian flower, which bears the same species name. These fish, like other wrasse, change their sex and appearance with age. Fish begin life as females, but later turn into males. They are distinguished by bright coloring, which is believed to attract females during the mating season. The length of the fish's body is seven to eight centimeters.
Three years ago, Yi-Kai Thea participated in the discovery of another species of fish that lives in the “twilight zone” of the ocean near the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania. The species was named Cirrhilabrus wakanda, the name refers to the Marvel superhero Black Panther and his homeland of Wakanda.
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The scales of the fish are painted in a bright purple color. As the females turn into males, their heads turn yellow.
