New Deep-sea Fish Named in Honor of Princess Mononoke's San

In an extraordinary journey to the depths of the ocean, Chinese researchers have unveiled a new species of deepwater fish named Branchiostegus sanae, inspired by the warrior princess San from Hayao Miyazaki's critically acclaimed film, Princess Mononoke. This unique fish, known for its distinctive cheek stripes that mirror the facial markings of its namesake, was identified by a team from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, alongside additional Chinese academic institutions.

The tilefish, which resides at extreme depths reaching up to 600 meters, stands out amid the limited diversity within its family, Branchiostegidae, with only 31 species described thus far. Lead researcher Haochen Huang highlighted the symbolic link between the fish and San, who embodies a fierce connection to nature and strives for the balance between human impact and environmental harmony. With only three new fish species in this genus identified in the last three decades, the discovery of Branchiostegus sanae illustrates both the rarity and importance of marine biodiversity research. The specimens are now preserved for further study, contributing to our ongoing understanding of deep-sea ecosystems.

In tribute to its namesake, the researchers' hope is that this recognition will continue to promote the message of coexistence as depicted in the beloved animated film. Marine biology enthusiasts will surely keep a watchful eye on this exciting new addition from the depths.

Marine biology, Anime, Fish, Science & Environment