A new species of deep-sea coral thought to resemble a highly recognisable character from the Star Wars sci-fi franchise has been discovered in the tropical western Pacific – and not, as some may have supposed – on the fictional planet of Kashyyk.

The coral, named Iridogorgia chewbacca, has become known for its long, flexible branches and shiny surface. It’s the appearance of being covered in hair that this lone-standing, upright coral reminded the researchers responsible for its discovery – and thus its naming – of Star Wars’ very own Wookie, Chewbacca.

Far from being a Wookie, this species actually belongs to the genus Iridogorgia, a group of deep-sea corals with long, spiralling structures. The new coral was first seen in waters off Moloka’i in 2006 and later near the Mariana Trench in 2016. The Moloka’i specimen measured around four foot tall, while the Mariana Trench sample was about 20 inches.

Les Watling, professor emeritus in University of Hawai’i Manoa’s School of Life Sciences, and co-author of the study published this week in Zootaxa, recognised the coral while reviewing research from colleagues in China.

It was his earlier work in Hawai’i waters and collaborations with NOAA expeditions that helped confirm that this was a new species.

“Seeing this coral for the first time was unforgettable,” said Watling. “Its long, flexible branches and shape immediately reminded me of Chewbacca. Even after years of deep-sea work, discoveries like this still make me stop and take notice.”

The study used both physical characteristics and genetic analysis to describe I. chewbacca and another new species, Iridogorgia curva. It also documented other known species in the western Pacific. Researchers found the region has a high diversity of Iridogorgia, with ten species recorded in tropical western Pacific waters.

Each coral colony is made up of thousands of tiny polyps, which work together to form the larger structure. Despite its large size and striking appearance, I. chewbacca usually occurs alone, scattered across deep-sea rocky bottoms. 

Watling’s work now highlights the University of Hawai’i’s ongoing contributions to deep-sea research and shows the value of international collaboration in discovering and documenting new marine species. 

“This discovery adds to scientists’ expanding understanding of the biodiversity hidden in the deep ocean and demonstrates that even long-studied regions like the Pacific still hold surprises,” read a statement from the University.

There are currently fourteen species of Iridogorgia with 12 species in the Pacific. Among them, ten species were found in the tropical western Pacific, showing a high diversity.

In a very similar vein, a quick Google search will tell you that the Wookie home world of Kashyyk is populated by millions of Wookies, who live in cities within the tall trees of their home planet. This is yet to be verified by anyone outside of the Star Wars universe.

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