In brief
A striking new species of deepwater tilefish was discovered by a team of Chinese researchers and named Branchiostegus sanae in honor of San, the warrior princess from Studio Ghibli's acclaimed film "Princess Mononoke."
The newly categorized fish, recognized for its unique facial markings reminiscent of San from the 1997 animation, comes from the family Branchiostegidae, noted for species inhabiting extreme ocean depths, often plunging to up to 600 meters. Researchers from various Chinese institutions, including the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology and Zhejiang University, employed genetic methods for identification.The name "sanae" pays tribute to the strong and nature-connected character San, who was raised by wolves and fights to protect the forest. Haochen Huang, lead author of the study, drew parallels between the film's themes of environmental preservation and the importance of recognizing this new species.Despite deepwater tilefish being common in seafood markets throughout East and Southeast Asia, the Branchiostegidae family is not diverse, with just 31 species cataloged and only three new variants noted within the last 34 years. This discovery marks a significant addition to marine biology, as preserved specimens will contribute to ongoing scientific research.As they continue to explore the oceans’ depths, the researchers hope the naming of this fish reflects a broader message of harmony between humanity and nature, similar to the themes presented in Miyazaki's poignant film.
