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New Deep-Sea Coral Species Discovered: Iridogorgia chewbacca

9/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers discovered a new deep-sea coral species, Iridogorgia chewbacca, in the tropical western Pacific.
The species, named after Chewbacca from Star Wars, has long, flexible branches resembling hair.
It was first observed near Moloka’i in 2006 and the Mariana Trench in 2016.
Les Watling, a professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii, co-authored the study in Zootaxa.
The findings highlight deep ocean biodiversity and the need for international collaboration in marine research.

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Story summary

Researchers discovered a new deep-sea coral species, Iridogorgia chewbacca, in the tropical western Pacific.
The species, named after Chewbacca from Star Wars, has long, flexible branches resembling hair.
It was first observed near Moloka’i in 2006 and the Mariana Trench in 2016.
Les Watling, a professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii, co-authored the study in Zootaxa.
The findings highlight deep ocean biodiversity and the need for international collaboration in marine research.