The discovery reflects both marine biodiversity and cultural homage in its naming.
Warrior Princess Inspires New Fish Species Discovery
Warrior Princess Inspires New Fish Species Discovery
A newly identified deepwater fish species gets its name from the beloved animated character San.
A recently discovered deepwater fish has been named Branchiostegus sanae, after San, the warrior princess from Studio Ghibli's iconic film Princess Mononoke. Researchers from China identified the species thanks to distinctive cheek markings that evoke the character's striking facial paint. San, who was raised by wolves in the film, is revered for her fierce protection of nature and the forest, themes highly relevant to today's environmental issues.
The study was conducted by a team from various Chinese institutions, including the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology and Zhejiang University, which utilized genetic analysis to confirm the species. The choice of the name "sanae" serves as a tribute to San's character. Lead author Haochen Huang expressed hope that the naming echoes the film's message about the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.
Deepwater tilefish, such as this newly discovered species, typically dwell at depths of up to 600 meters underwater. Although tilefish are not uncommon in seafood markets in East and Southeast Asia, the diversity within the Branchiostegidae family is limited, with only a handful of species described. The discovery of Branchiostegus sanae marks the first new species in its genus in over three decades.
Specimens from this discovery have been preserved in marine biological repositories to enhance understanding of their biology and ecology. As researchers continue to explore and document marine life, the intersection of cultural significance and scientific discovery continues to enrich our understanding of the natural world.
The study was conducted by a team from various Chinese institutions, including the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology and Zhejiang University, which utilized genetic analysis to confirm the species. The choice of the name "sanae" serves as a tribute to San's character. Lead author Haochen Huang expressed hope that the naming echoes the film's message about the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.
Deepwater tilefish, such as this newly discovered species, typically dwell at depths of up to 600 meters underwater. Although tilefish are not uncommon in seafood markets in East and Southeast Asia, the diversity within the Branchiostegidae family is limited, with only a handful of species described. The discovery of Branchiostegus sanae marks the first new species in its genus in over three decades.
Specimens from this discovery have been preserved in marine biological repositories to enhance understanding of their biology and ecology. As researchers continue to explore and document marine life, the intersection of cultural significance and scientific discovery continues to enrich our understanding of the natural world.
