Dr Kerstin applying preservation techniques on a Fiji Maskray specimen for further studying. Note: This specimen was sourced from a local market and was not killed specifically for the purpose of this research. ©Kelly Brown, USP.
Suva, Fiji (14 July, 2025): A new addition was made within Fiji’s rich marine biodiversity – introducing the Fiji maskray, Neotrygon romeoi, a newly described ray species. The Fiji maskray is part of the blue-spotted maskray complex and is found only in Fijian waters.
Although this ray is common in Fiji – and also the most widely traded one in local markets – it has never undergone detailed taxonomic description. That changed when research led by Dr Kerstin Glaus, Research Fellow with the USP component of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme-funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden conducted a landmark study and published this exciting finding open-access in the Journal of Fish Biology on 9 June 2025.
This newly identified species was long confused with Neotrygon kuhlii and N. trigonoides. However, Dr Glaus’s findings titled A new blue‐spotted Maskray species (Neotrygon, Dasyatidae) from Fiji has now confirmed that Neotrygon romeoi is a completely separate species. The discovery was confirmed through a combination of detailed measurement of the shape and size of the ray’s body parts such the length of its tail and size of its eyes or fins; counting specific body features like the number of vertebrae; and DNA barcoding which using a small piece of the ray’s DNA to identify what species it is, similar to scanning a barcode to tell products apart.
“It stands out with its broad, angular snout, long claspers in adult males, and a row of thorn-like spines running from the neck to the base of the tail.” said Dr Glaus. “The ray’s brown back is decorated with dark mask-like markings across the eyes, two large blotches behind the spiracles, and numerous small black spots – especially around the face.”
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Fiji maskrays in Yasawa waters, Fiji. ©Rob Macfarlane, Reef Safari Fiji, Drawaqa Marine Conservation Trust.
This research was based on specimens bought from the Suva Fish Market and collected from local fishermen. Importantly, no rays were killed specifically for the study.
For many years, all maskrays were grouped under Neotrygon kuhlii. But thanks to modern genetic research, scientists have since uncovered a complex of distinct species. There are now 16 recognized maskray species, with nine described since 2016, and 13 forming the “blue-spotted group”. Welcome to Neotrygon romeoi as now the 17th member of the maskray species complex.
The team named the new species Neotrygon romeoi in honour of the late Romeo Glaus, father of lead author Kerstin Glaus, to acknowledge his enduring support and deep respect for nature.
Beyond its scientific significance, Neotrygon romeoi is frequently caught in small-scale fisheries across Fiji.
“Properly identifying and naming the species is a critical step toward managing its population and ensuring sustainable use.” said Dr Glaus. “Rays are among the most threatened marine organisms. And given the Fiji maskray’s limited range, high catch rate, and unknown life history, we recommend that it be considered for protection under Fiji’s Endangered and Protected Species Act, which among others applies to endemic sharks and rays and helps conserve native biodiversity by regulating trade, protection, and use of species at risk.”
“This discovery highlights Fiji’s unique natural heritage and the urgent need to better understand and protect our marine species,” said Lavenie Tawake, USP PEUMP project Team Leader.
So next time you think of Fiji’s underwater wonders, remember: the ocean just got a little more special. Somewhere beneath the waves, the Fiji maskray, Neotrygon romeoi, glides silently-a newly named symbol of Fiji’s extraordinary marine life.
USP is one of four key implementing partners of the PEUMP Programme, a EUR 45million program which promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity.
It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related to ocean fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action. The PEUMP programme is housed within the Centre for Sustainable Futures.
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Media Contact
Lore Croker, USP PEUMP Communications, lore.croker@usp.ac.fj
