A New Coral Species Named ‘Chewbacca’ Unveiled
On June 7 at 4:30 PM, scientists announced the discovery of a new deep-sea coral species from the genus Iridogorgia, informally nicknamed ‘Chewbacca.’ The finding occurred in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii, where research confirmed that the tropical western Pacific is a major biodiversity hub for this genus. The ‘Chewbacca’ coral stands out for its long, shaggy, and flexible branches. According to researcher Les Watling, when reviewing underwater footage, the coral ‘immediately reminded him of Han Solo’s legendary hairy co-pilot.’
Key Traits of the New Coral
A colony of the new coral found near Molokai reached an impressive height of about 120 centimeters. Another specimen, discovered in the Mariana Trench, measured half a meter (50 cm) in height, with branches extending up to 40 centimeters. Iridogorgia belongs to the gorgonian family (horny corals) and is an octocoral, meaning it has eight tentacles. Scientists currently recognize 14 species within the genus Iridogorgia, 10 of which are documented in the tropical western Pacific. Earlier research in 2021 described three new species on local seamounts.
The study was conducted by an international team of researchers, including Yu Xu, Zifeng Zhan, and Kuidong Xu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with colleagues from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. To confirm the new species' uniqueness, scientists compared body shape and performed DNA analysis. The specimens used for identification were collected during a 2016 NOAA expedition using remotely operated underwater vehicles. These vehicles mapped approximately 28,000 square kilometers of the seafloor across 22 dives, reaching depths from 250 to nearly 6,000 meters.
The discovery of the ‘Chewbacca’ coral carries serious implications for global science. Deep-sea corals are not plants but are 100 percent animals, and studying them can provide crucial insights into ocean ecosystems. Analysis confirmed that the ocean floor is not flat but consists of ridges, rocks, and underwater volcanoes (guyots). This finding serves as clear evidence that the region is a key breeding ground for these organisms.
Les Watling: ‘It immediately reminded him of Han Solo’s legendary hairy co-pilot.’
The identification of the ‘Chewbacca’ coral underscores the importance of exploring marine ecosystems, as these organisms play a vital role in supporting ocean biodiversity. Given that deep-sea corals can be sensitive to environmental changes, this discovery may also help assess the impact of climate change on oceanic ecosystems. Further research could enable scientists to better understand the biology and ecology of these corals, as well as their role in global marine processes.
The recent discovery of the ‘Chewbacca’ coral highlights the remarkable biodiversity of the deep Pacific, a region that continues to surprise scientists. In a related study, researchers have uncovered life forms nearly 10 kilometers deep, further emphasizing the ocean's unexplored depths and the unique ecosystems they harbor. For more insights into the fascinating discoveries being made in these extreme environments, read about the life forms found at such depths.