‘Hairy’ Deep-Sea Coral Species Newly Discovered Is Named After Chewbacca

‘Hairy’ Deep-Sea Coral Species Newly Discovered Is Named After Chewbacca

A new ‘hairy’ deep-sea coral species has been named after Chewbacca when researchers were reminded of the Star Wars character after the discovery in the tropical western Pacific.

The coral, named Iridogorgia chewbacca, is known for its long, flexible branches and shiny surface.

As seen in the photos, the nickname is well-earned due to the coral’s furry-looking branches standing upright, like an appearance of the furry Wookie seen in the sci-fi saga.

Les Watling, professor emeritus in University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa’s School of Life Sciences and co-author of the study published in Zootaxa, spotted the coral while reviewing research from colleagues in China.

His earlier work in Hawaiʻi waters and collaborations with NOAA expeditions helped confirm that it was a new species.

“Seeing this coral for the first time was unforgettable,” Watling said in a UH press release.

“Its long, flexible branches and shape immediately reminded me of Chewbacca. Even after years of deep-sea work, discoveries like this still make me stop and take notice.”

The coral itself was first recorded in the wild in 2006, but at the time it was not officially described as a distinct species. Only after further research, including genetic analysis, did scientists confirm its uniqueness and formally recognize it as a new species in a peer-reviewed study.

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The discovery adds to scientists’ understanding of the biodiversity hidden in the deep ocean and demonstrates that even long-studied regions like the Pacific still hold surprises.

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