The discovery of Branchiostegus sanae highlights both marine biodiversity and cultural influences, as researchers draw parallels between the fish's unique appearance and the iconic character San, who embodies the themes of nature and protection from Miyazaki's "Princess Mononoke."
New Deepwater Fish Species Honors San, the Warrior Princess from "Princess Mononoke"
New Deepwater Fish Species Honors San, the Warrior Princess from "Princess Mononoke"
A recently discovered deepwater fish, Branchiostegus sanae, is named in tribute to San from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved animated film, showcasing its remarkable facial markings.
A new species of deepwater fish has recently been identified by Chinese researchers and has been named Branchiostegus sanae in honor of San, the warrior princess from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli film "Princess Mononoke." The researchers were struck by the fish's distinctive facial markings, which resemble the war paint of San, a character raised by wolves who battles for the protection of her forest home.
The newly discovered fish is classified within the family Branchiostegidae, commonly known as deepwater tilefish. These species inhabit depths of the ocean, with some found as deep as 600 meters. The research team, which includes members from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology and several universities in China, conducted genetic analyses to confirm that this species is indeed new.
Lead researcher Haochen Huang explained the connection between the fish and the character. "In Princess Mononoke, San epitomizes the struggle for harmony between humans and nature, a concept we hope to highlight with this naming," Huang articulated. The beloved film was a monumental success in Japan, grossing over 19 billion yen (£100.4 million).
Despite their presence in many seafood markets throughout East and Southeast Asia, deepwater tilefish are not very diverse, with only 31 known species in the Branchiostegidae family, and just 19 in the Branchiostegus genus. The addition of Branchiostegus sanae is therefore a significant discovery, marking only the third new species identified in this genus in the last 34 years.
The newly identified specimens have been preserved for research purposes, furthering scientists' understanding of this unique fish and its ecological significance. The naming not only reflects biodiversity in marine life but also connects cultural narratives with scientific discovery, revealing the intricate relationship between humankind and the natural world.
