Iridogorgia chewbacca, University of Hawai'i at Manoa

‘Wookiee of the Sea’: Scientists Name Furry Deep-Sea Coral After Chewbacca

Originally posted on Nerdist | By Sarah Campbell | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 3:51 PM ET

We’re used to seeing the Star Wars universe revolve around the infinite expanse of outer space. However, the franchise’s widely-recognizable Chewbacca goes subaquatic as a team of researchers officially name a new species of deep-sea coral after the beloved furry character.

Initially spotted off the waters of Moloka’i in 2006 and the Mariana Trench in 2016, the shaggy coral is characterized by its long, hairy branches and upright appearance. Upon discovery, scientists immediately thought the species—with its shiny exterior and fur-like silhouette—bore a striking similarity to the famed Wookiee. They subsequently dubbed it Iridogorgia chewbacca—and the resemblance is uncanny.

University of Hawai’i professor emeritus Les Watling and his colleagues officially catalogued the fuzzy coral this September in the journal Zootaxa. The species belongs to the genus Iridogorgia. Its flexible, hair-like branches can grow up to 15 inches long, with the specimen itself found to grow anywhere from 20 inches to four feet long.

Closeup of Iridogorgia chewbacca, University of Hawai'i at Manoa

“Seeing this coral for the first time was unforgettable,” Watling said. “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.”

When carried by the ocean’s current, the swaying movement of the coral’s branches gives the illusion of fur. This leaves no doubt its unmistakeable likeness to the iconic character that bears the same name.

I. chewbacca lives deep below the sunlit zone, usually found as a solitary colony. Because of how difficult it is to reach and sample, much of the Wookiee-resembling specimen remains a mystery. Still, it is fun to know that our favorite intergalactic furry friend has a deep-sea doppelgänger!

This article first appeared on Nerdist and was syndicated with permission.

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