Rare Braun's Wrasse Sighted After Decade

A rare Braun's wrasse has been sighted near Albany, Western Australia, a species that had not been seen since 2009. Marine biologist Océane Attlan described the moment as akin to recognizing a familiar face. The small, iridescent fish, measuring between six and seven centimeters, was discovered during the final dive of a four-day research expedition surveying kelp forests.

The encounter is particularly significant as it allays concerns that the Braun's wrasse might have gone extinct, especially following recent marine heatwaves affecting Australia's southwest coast. The species inhabits rocky reefs within the Great Southern Reef ecosystem, an extensive area stretching 8,000km along Australia's southern coastline, known for its unique biodiversity.

Researchers from the University of Western Australia's Oceans Institute confirmed the sighting by posting photographs to a fish identification platform. Two curators from the Western Australian Museum and the researcher who last spotted the species in 2009 verified the identification. This discovery is expected to spur further interest in studying this elusive fish.

Experts note that the underwater world remains largely unexplored, with hundreds of new species discovered annually. This underscores the importance of spending time observing marine environments, as it increases the likelihood of encountering undocumented species. The Great Southern Reef itself is recognized as a precious ecosystem with a high number of endemic species.