A recently discovered species of deepwater fish has been officially named Branchiostegus sanae, paying homage to San, the warrior princess from the acclaimed animated film "Princess Mononoke" by Studio Ghibli. The fish, characterized by its distinctive cheek stripes reminiscent of the film’s protagonist, was identified by researchers from various Chinese institutions, including the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology and Zhejiang University.
San, who is depicted as a fierce protector of the forest in the 1997 film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, has become a cultural icon, symbolizing the delicate balance between humanity and nature. The lead author of the study, Haochen Huang, emphasized the importance of the character's mission to promote harmony within ecosystems, stating, "We hope to echo this message through our naming."
Members of the Branchiostegidae family, to which this new species belongs, are found at significant ocean depths, sometimes reaching 600 meters below the surface. Despite the commercial visibility of deepwater tilefish in Asian seafood markets, the overall diversity within this family remains limited, with only 31 species described. The research team utilized genetic analysis to confirm Branchiostegus sanae as a novel species, marking a rare discovery within its genus—only three new species have been recognized in the last 34 years.
The new specimens have been preserved in marine biological collections, allowing for further study on their ecology and behavior, and underscoring the need for continued research on deepwater marine life.
San, who is depicted as a fierce protector of the forest in the 1997 film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, has become a cultural icon, symbolizing the delicate balance between humanity and nature. The lead author of the study, Haochen Huang, emphasized the importance of the character's mission to promote harmony within ecosystems, stating, "We hope to echo this message through our naming."
Members of the Branchiostegidae family, to which this new species belongs, are found at significant ocean depths, sometimes reaching 600 meters below the surface. Despite the commercial visibility of deepwater tilefish in Asian seafood markets, the overall diversity within this family remains limited, with only 31 species described. The research team utilized genetic analysis to confirm Branchiostegus sanae as a novel species, marking a rare discovery within its genus—only three new species have been recognized in the last 34 years.
The new specimens have been preserved in marine biological collections, allowing for further study on their ecology and behavior, and underscoring the need for continued research on deepwater marine life.
