A fascinating addition to marine biology comes from a recent discovery of a deepwater fish species, Branchiostegus sanae, named in tribute to the beloved warrior princess San of Studio Ghibli's acclaimed film, "Princess Mononoke." This newly identified species, recognized for its distinctive cheek stripes, was discovered by a team of Chinese researchers, who were inspired by the film's protagonist, who was raised by wolves and fought to protect the forest.
Princess Mononoke, released in 1997, resonated with audiences worldwide, grossing over 19 billion yen (approximately £100.4 million) in Japan alone. The new fish belongs to the deepwater tilefish family, Branchiostegidae, which typically inhabits deep-sea environments, with some species dwelling more than 600 meters beneath the ocean's surface.
The research team includes experts from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, the Chinese Academy of Science, Zhejiang University, and Ocean University of China. They utilized genetic analysis to confirm the species’ uniqueness, leading to the decision to honor San with the specific name "sanae." Lead author Haochen Huang remarked on San's character—an embodiment of nature's spirit and protector. The film's theme of harmony between humans and the natural world serves as an inspiration behind this naming.
While deepwater tilefish are commonly sold in seafood markets throughout East and Southeast Asia, their diversity had been notably low, with only 31 species identified in the Branchiostegidae family and 19 in Branchiostegus genus prior to this discovery. The identification of Branchiostegus sanae, a unique fish species, is a significant event, especially considering that only three other species in its genus have been discovered over the last 34 years. The newly collected specimens have been preserved in marine biological collections to facilitate further scientific research and understanding of these remarkable creatures.
