A new species (Aetomylaeus wafickii) was discovered from specimens collected in the Arabian Gulf during the Fisheries Resource Assessment (FRAS). Specimens were collected with other specimens from elasmobranchs and fish.
This eagle ray is identified as the Banded Eagle Ray (Aetomylaeus nichofii), which is very similar in appearance. However, it was later considered new after thorough examination and publication of scientific papers highlighting its physical description.
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The newly described species can be distinguished from similar species – Blue Band Eagle Ray (Aetomylaeus caeruleofasciatus) and Band Eagle Ray (Aetomylaeus nichofii). The difference can be seen from more pale blue bands on the dorsal surface (8-10 bands).
In addition, the number of rows of teeth plates is more, and the tail is shorter. This description was published in the Marine Biodiversity Journal on February 11, 2022.
“It is great for us to discover a new species of Eagle Ray in Abu Dhabi. This is a prominent indication that our waters are healthy and that we have abundant marine biodiversity,” said Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Division of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). /5/2022).
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Eagle rays are demersal and semi-pelagic rays with a circumglobal distribution where most species can be found near shorelines. Their body size ranges from medium to large (disc width 60 to more than 200 cm) with a frame shaped like a wing.
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