In a celebration of the mesmerizing beauty that lurks within the depths of the ocean, a newly discovered deepwater fish has been christened Branchiostegus sanae, paying homage to the beloved character San from the iconic Studio Ghibli film, Princess Mononoke. The inspiration behind this unique naming choice stemmed from the striking resemblance of the fish’s facial markings to the war paint adorning the fierce warrior princess in Hayao Miyazaki’s cinematic masterpiece.
The unveiling of Branchiostegus sanae was a collaborative effort spearheaded by diligent Chinese researchers who were captivated by the distinct cheek stripes that set this deep-sea creature apart. Hailing from the family Branchiostegidae, deepwater tilefish such as this enigmatic species are known to inhabit the profound abyss, venturing to depths as extreme as 600 meters below the ocean’s surface.
Researchers from esteemed institutions including the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, the Chinese Academy of Science, Zhejiang University, and Ocean University of China, meticulously conducted genetic analyses to confirm the novelty of this newfound species. Lead author of the study, Haochen Huang, shared his insights, drawing parallels between San’s indomitable spirit as a guardian of the forest in Princess Mononoke and the intricate balance between humanity and nature that the film encapsulates.
In a nod to the film’s profound message of coexistence and preservation of the natural world, the researchers decided to immortalize the fish with the name “sanae,” a poignant tribute to the character whose unwavering commitment to protecting her forest home resonated with audiences worldwide. Huang expressed, “Just as San viewed herself as an integral part of the forest, we too must recognize our interconnectedness with nature and strive for a harmonious relationship with the environment.”
The unveiling of Branchiostegus sanae heralds a momentous occasion in the realm of marine biology, as the discovery of a new species within the Branchiostegidae family is a rare find indeed. With only a modest 31 described species in the family and a mere 19 in the Branchiostegus genus, the addition of Branchiostegus sanae to this distinguished lineage marks a significant milestone in our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity.
While deepwater tilefish are a common sight in seafood markets across East and Southeast Asia, the unveiling of Branchiostegus sanae serves as a poignant reminder of the vast uncharted territories that remain within the ocean’s depths. Preserved specimens of this ethereal creature now grace marine biological collections, offering scientists a window into the enigmatic world of deep-sea denizens and paving the way for further discoveries in this uncharted realm.
In a world where the delicate balance between humans and nature hangs in the balance, the story of Branchiostegus sanae stands as a testament
