Discover the New Species of Fish With a Knife-Like Edge That Was Just Discovered

It’s hard to believe that scientists are still uncovering new species on Earth. However, each year approximately 18,000 new species are discovered. One of these new species on the list for 2023 is the eclipse-spot razor wrasse (Iniistius bakunawa), a new species of fish with a knife-like edge.

Marine biologists found the previously unheard-of species of razor wrasse (or razorfish) for sale at a fish market in the Philippines. After finding the first specimen, the biologists discovered six more sold at various markets around the Filipino Islands. Another two were found on display in museum collections in Australia.

The eclipse-spot razor wrasse fish has a flat body covered with pale yellowish to jade green reflective scales. Because the fish was found at a local market, the biologists know nothing about its habitat or living habits. However, other razor wrasses are known to live in sandy habitats where they use their steep forehead (with a knife-like edge) to dive into the sand and burrow when threatened. It’s still unknown if this new species has the same behavior.

Wrasse fish “are frequently associated with sandy habitats such as sea-grass meadows or wide sand channels away from coral reefs.” said Kent Elson Sorgon from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and colleagues.

The new species range between 5.9 to 6.7 inches long. The biologists believe this species may get overlooked by divers because they tend to avoid coral reefs, living their entire lives in the sand channels or seagrass meadows. 

Razor wrasse juveniles are even better at hiding than adults. According to researchers, the small young fish have adopted a “languid, wafting style of swimming.” When threatened, they go headfirst into the sand.

What is the New Species of Fish Named After?

Researchers took the name Bakunawa from “a serpentine or draconic figure in Visayan mythology believed to be responsible for causing an eclipse by devouring the moon.”

Where Do Wrasses Live?

Wrasses live throughout the world in tropical seas. Many of the species, unlike the razor wrasse, live in coral reefs. The Iniistius genus is a type of wrasse that is native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

What Do Razor Wrasses Eat?

The razor wrasse has a paper-thin body, which allows them to dig around in the sand as they hunt for food or hide from predators. Most wrasses are carnivores (meat eaters) and prey on invertebrates. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © A-Z-Animals.com/lucigerma