What is a deep-sea coral named after Chewbacca?

The answer

Iridogorgia chewbacca, a deep-sea coral formally described in 2025, earned its name from its long, hair-like branches that reminded researchers of Chewbacca from Star Wars. The coral was discovered during deep-sea surveys and belongs to the genus Iridogorgia, known for their spiraling, tree-like forms that can grow over a meter tall on the ocean floor. Naming species after pop culture figures is a time-honored tradition in taxonomy - it draws public attention to newly discovered organisms that might otherwise remain obscure. Deep-sea corals like I. chewbacca are slow-growing and ecologically vital, providing habitat for countless other organisms in the dark, cold depths of the ocean.