The lead author of the study, Haochen Huang, emphasized the film's themes of ecological harmony, which they hope to reflect through this new species’ name.
New Deepwater Fish Species Named After Princess Mononoke's San
New Deepwater Fish Species Named After Princess Mononoke's San
A new species of fish has been discovered and named in honor of the beloved warrior princess from Studio Ghibli's animation.
Researchers from China have identified a unique deepwater fish, Branchiostegus sanae, adorned with striking facial markings similar to the warrior princess San from the film Princess Mononoke. The fish belongs to the family Branchiostegidae, known for residing in incredibly deep ocean waters, some up to 600 meters below the surface. The identification followed genetic analysis, leading to the naming tribute as a nod to San’s fierce dedication to nature and its interconnection with humanity. Its discovery is noteworthy, as only a handful of species within this genus have been recognized in recent decades, highlighting the rarity of Branchiostegus sanae in marine biology.
