A new species of coral named after Chewbacca was discovered in the ocean

Marine biologists from the University of Hawaii have announced the discovery of a new species of coral in the Pacific Ocean, called Iridogorgia chewbacca. The name was chosen because of the resemblance of the long, flexible branches of the coral to the famous Star Wars character. The study describing the species was published in the journal Zootaxa, and the main results can be found in Popular Science.

This coral was first discovered in 2006 during an expedition near the island of Molokai, and ten years later, scientists came across another specimen in the vicinity of the Mariana Trench. Only now have scientists been able to describe its physical and genetic characteristics in detail.

Co-author of the study, Les Watling, shared his impressions: “The first look at this coral left an unforgettable impression. Its long, flexible branches and shape immediately reminded me of Chewbacca. Even after many years of experience working underwater, such discoveries are always impressive and make you stop.”

Colonies of Iridogorgia chewbacca can reach about 1.2 meters in height and consist of thousands of branching polyps. This type of coral, unlike reef corals, does not form large clusters and prefers to live on rocky seabeds.

Meanwhile, scientists from the University of Padua have discovered that the famous Venetian lion statue in Piazza San Marco was made in China. The study showed that the metal from which it is made comes from the Yangtze River basin, and the sculpture itself was probably a funerary guard from the Tang Dynasty.