Scientists Name Furry Deep-Sea Coral After Chewbacca

We’re used to seeing the Star Wars universe revolve around the infinite expanse of outer space . However, the franchise’s widely-recognizable Chewbacca goes subaquatic as a team of researchers officially name a new species of deep-sea coral after the beloved furry character.

Initially spotted off the waters of Moloka’i in 2006 and the Mariana Trench in 2016, the shaggy coral is characterized by its long, hairy branches and upright appearance. Upon discovery, scientists immediately thought the species—with its shiny exterior and fur-like silhouette—bore a striking similarity to the famed Wookiee. They subsequently dubbed it Iridogorgia chewbacca —and the resemblance is uncanny.

University of Hawai’i professor emeritus Les Watling and his colleagues officially catalogued the fuzzy co