Resurrection of New Caledonian maskray Neotrygon trigonoides (Myliobatoidei: Dasyatidae) from synonymy with N. kuhlii, based on cytochrome-oxidase I gene sequences and spotting patterns

A new study challenges the long-standing classification of the New Caledonian maskray, revealing it as a distinct species separate from the widely distributed blue-spotted maskray. Using cytochrome-oxidase I (COI) gene sequences and spotting pattern analysis, researchers identified a significant genetic divergence (2.6%) between the New Caledonian maskray and typical N. kuhlii samples from the Indian Ocean and Coral Triangle. The study's findings, based on specimens collected across multiple regions, demonstrate that the New Caledonian maskray forms a phylogenetically distinct haplogroup, justifying its resurrection as Neotrygon trigonoides. This research sheds light on the cryptic biodiversity within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Lagoons of New Caledonia and underscores the importance of genetic analysis in species delimitation.

Borsa, P., Arlyza, I. S., Chen, W.-J., Durand, J.-D., Meekan, M. G., & Shen, K.-N. (2013). Resurrection of New Caledonian maskray Neotrygon trigonoides (Myliobatoidei: Dasyatidae) from synonymy with N. kuhlii, based on cytochrome-oxidase I gene sequences and spotting patterns. Comptes Rendus. Biologies, 336(4), 221–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crvi.2013.05.005