A new ‘hairy’ deep-sea coral species has been named after Chewbacca when 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.

As seen in the photos, the nickname is well-earned due to the coral’s furry-looking branches standing upright, like an appearance of the furry Wookie seen in the sci-fi saga.

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

His earlier work in Hawaiʻi waters and collaborations with NOAA expeditions helped confirm that it was a new species.

“Seeing thi

See Full Page