A team of Chinese scientists has made an exciting discovery—a new species of deepwater fish called Branchiostegus sanae, inspired by the warrior princess San from Studio Ghibli's classic film "Princess Mononoke." The fish sports striking cheek stripes similar to those of San, who was raised by wolves and fought to protect the forest in the 1997 movie.

This newly identified tilefish, part of the Branchiostegidae family, lives at depths of up to 600 meters below the ocean's surface. Researchers conducted genetic analysis to confirm its uniqueness, naming it "sanae" as a tribute to the character's spirit.

Lead study author, Haochen Huang, emphasized the importance of the film's message about the balance between humans and nature, mirroring the hope for harmony seen in the new species' name.

Though deepwater tilefish are commonly found in East and Southeast Asian seafood markets, the Branchiostegidae family's diversity is limited, with only 31 species identified. Discovering a new fish like Branchiostegus sanae, especially after 34 years of few new species in this genus, is quite a significant find. Specimens of this rare fish are preserved for further research to deepen our understanding of it and its habitat.