• Scientists have discovered a new deep-sea coral species, Iridogorgia chewbacca, in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. Its unique hairy, curly branches resemble the iconic Star Wars character Chewbacca, inspiring its unusual name.
• Although first observed in 2006, the coral was only recently confirmed as a distinct species through detailed genetic analysis and morphological studies.
• Professor Les Watling of the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa’s School of Life Sciences played a key role in identifying it, having worked extensively with similar corals in Hawaiian waters and through NOAA research.
• The coral stands upright and solitary on the ocean floor, with long, reflective, curly branches that give it a shiny, fur-like appearance. These distinct traits set it apart from other members of the Iridogorgia genus.
• The discovery, published in the journal Zootaxa, highlights the richness of marine biodiversity still hidden in the Pacific’s depths.
• Documenting such species adds to scientific understanding of fragile deep-sea ecosystems and strengthens conservation efforts.
• Naming the coral after a pop culture figure helps make the discovery accessible to the public, bridging science and society.
• It also underscores the importance of continued exploration in regions like the western Pacific, which remain biodiversity hotspots.