Scientists think the fish looks like San from Princess Mononoke (Image: Huang et al/Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli)
Researchers in have named a newly discovered fish species after the heroine of a animated film, after noting a striking resemblance.
The deepwater tilefish bears red stripes reminiscent of the face paint worn by the eponymous character in Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke, who is also known as San.
The animal was discovered after scientists noted the unusual patten in images on online seafood markets. Genetic analysis confirmed the new species, which was christened Branchiostegus sanae.
Study leader Haochen Huang, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said: “Finding a new species in this group is a rare and fortunate event, especially one as distinctive as Branchiostegus sanae.
“In Princess Mononoke, San is a young woman raised by wolves after being abandoned by her human parents.
Don’t miss…
“She sees herself as a part of the forest and fights to protect it. The film delves into the complex relationship between humans and nature, promoting a message of harmonious coexistence between the two: something we hope to echo through this naming.”
Deepwater tilefish are found at great depths, with some species swimming up to 600m below the ocean’s surface.
They are commonly found in seafood markets in East and Southeast Asia.
Only three other new species of Branchiostegus were discovered between 1990 and 2024. The latest findings were published in the journal ZooKeys.
Don’t miss…
Scientists often look for visual inspiration when naming newly discovered species.
Last month, was named for its resemblance to Star Wars villain Darth Vader.
The giant isopod, which can reach lengths of 32.5cm and weigh over a kilogram, was christened Bathynomus vaderi in honour of its head which was said to look like the Sith Lord’s helmet.