A Lively Male <i>Cirrhilabrus wakanda</i> from Zanzibar (IMAGE)

California Academy of Sciences

A Lively Male <i>Cirrhilabrus wakanda</i> from Zanzibar

Caption

Deep-diving scientists from the California Academy of Sciences' Hope for Reefs initiative and the University of Sydney spotted dazzling fairy wrasses--previously unknown to science -- in the dimly lit mesophotic coral reefs of eastern Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. The multicolored wrasses sport deep purple scales so pigmented, they even retain their color (which is typically lost) when preserved for research. The scientists name this 'twilight zone' reef-dweller Cirrhilabrus wakanda (common name 'Vibranium Fairy Wrasse') in honor of the mythical nation of Wakanda from the Marvel Entertainment comics and movie Black Panther.

Credit

Luiz Rocha © 2018 California Academy of Sciences

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