By Dean Murray

A new "hairy" deep-sea coral species has been named after Chewbacca .

Researchers were reminded of the Star Wars character after the discovery in the tropical western Pacific.

The coral, named Iridogorgia chewbacca, is known for its long, flexible branches and shiny surface.

The species earned its nickname because the coral’s furry-looking branches and upright, lone-standing appearance reminded researchers of the furry Wookie seen in the sci-fi saga.

Les Watling, professor emeritus at the University of HawaiÊ»i Mānoa’s School of Life Sciences and co-author of the study published in Zootaxa , recognised the coral while reviewing research from colleagues in China.

His earlier work in Hawaiʻi waters and collaborations with NOAA expeditions helped confirm that it

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