Iridogorgia Chewbacca

Why in news?

Recently, the Scientists have discovered a unique deep-sea coral and given it a name inspired by Chewbacca from Star Wars.          

• It is a newly identified deep-sea coral.                   
• Scientific name - Iridogorgia Chewbacca.
• Genus - Iridogorgia, a group of deep-sea corals with long, spiralling structures.
  • There are currently 14 species of Iridogorgia with 12 species in the Pacific (10 species were found in the tropical western Pacific, showing a high diversity).
• Discovered location – Tropical Western Pacific Ocean.
• Nomenclature – Named after the furry Star Wars character Chewbacca because of its hairy-looking branches.
• First sight – It was first seen in waters off Moloka’i in 2006 and later near the Mariana Trench in 2016 in Pacific Ocean.
• Morphology - The coral has become known for its long, hairy, flexible branches and shiny surface.
• The coral grew upright on the ocean floor like the tall figure of the character.
• Size - Height from 20 inches to about 4 feet.

• Growth pattern - Despite its large size and striking appearance, it usually occurs alone, scattered across deep-sea rocky bottoms.
• Threats - Climate change, pollution, overfishing and destructive fishing practices.
• Significance - This discovery adds to scientists’ expanding understanding of the biodiversity hidden in the deep ocean.

References

1. Hindustan Times | Iridogorgia Chewbacca
2. Oceanographic Magazine | Iridogorgia Chewbacca