Cover image via 
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Rogadius azizahae, a never-before-seen fish species, was recently added to Malaysia's already-rich marine biodiversity list
This little guy, also known locally as Baji Azizah, was discovered by Dr Tun Nurul Aimi Mat Jaafar, a researcher from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's (UMT) Faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences.
The discovery was made during scientific expeditions off the east coast of Terengganu and Johor (in the waters of the South China Sea), way back in June 2016, and in collaboration with the Fisheries Department.
Fast forward to 2025, it's now officially recognised by the international taxonomic journal Zootaxa and published in the Journal of Fish Biology.
Measuring just 10cm to 11cm in length, Tun Nurul Aimi said the fish, a bottom-dwelling flathead, was difficult to detect
Combined with its flat body shape and brownish colouration, she said it closely resembled the seabed.
She added that the fish also features a fine dark pattern on its pelvic fins and a translucent white centre.
Azizahae isn't just some random Latin name. The species was named in honour of Prof Dr Siti Azizah Mohd Nor, a molecular ecologist and senior research fellow at UMT.
She has dedicated her career to advancing molecular ecology and fish biodiversity research in Malaysia.
Tun Nurul Aimi named the fish azizahae as a tribute to her mentor's lifetime achievements in the field.
Prof Dr Siti Azizah Mohd Nor (left) and Dr Tun Nurul Aimi Mat Jaafar (right).
Image via BernamaTun Nurul Aimi said the discovery is proof that our local waters remain rich in untapped biodiversity waiting to be revealed
"This opens up vast opportunities for further research into benthic fish community in Malaysian waters, which remains largely unexplored," she said at a press conference at UMT, according to Bernama.
Azizah also spoke at the press conference, emphasising the need for further research to better understand the significance of the newly discovered species and to protect the rich marine biodiversity.
"A higher level of biodiversity in an ecosystem increases its resilience, which is especially crucial in the face of global climate change, as it affects both marine life and humans," she said.
Paws what you're doing and check out Furever Friends for more stories, videos, and updates!
