2024-04-04 23:41:08
Australian clownfish are extremely rare, with only a few populations living in the waters off the coast of Tasmania and Australia.
Brachiopsilus dianthus The species is only 13.6 cm in total length and, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this species has not been seen in the last 20 years. Last year for the first time since 1996 another species of these fish was also observed Pezichthys compressed.
Associate Professor Neville Barrett of the University of Tasmania’s Institute of Antarctic and Marine Research (IMAS) described the discovery as “extraordinary and very valuable”.
“He gives us hope that Brachiopsilus dianthus species have refuge in deeper, cooler waters from warming coastal waters that threaten the existence of many Tasmanian marine species,” he said.
Divers believe this may be the first time the species has been photographed by members of the public, as previous Australian pictures of clownfish have been captured by remote-controlled and autonomous underwater vehicles.
After the first dive, the team returned to the wreck site three more times to take more pictures of this fish.
“When we returned to the dive site and spotted the second Australian clownfish just 10 meters from the first one, there was quite a bit of excitement,” shared one of the divers, Brad Turner.
2024-04-04 23:41:08