Sure, a lot of our Tumblr blogs are influenced by ‘Game of Thrones’ characters. However could you imagine a new species of animal being named after a GoT character? Well, that’s just the case!
Yes, a new species of sea slug is being called ‘Tritonia khaleesi’. This species was discovered off the coast of northeast Brazil by scientists from the Federal University of Ceara.
Here is an excerpt from the research article by Felipe de Vasconcelos Silva, Victor Manuel De Azevedo, and Helena Matthews-Cascon:
“Tritonia khaleesi sp. nov. is up to 12 mm long, with a slender white body, of which the notum is covered with one broad white band extending from between the eyes and veil to the tail; veil with 4 velar appendages; retractable white rhinophores; rhinophoral sheath with fleshy extension; seven pairs of branchial plumes; the anus is located between the 3rd and 4th gills on the right side, and the genital opening is under the 2nd gill. Internally, T. khaleesi sp. nov. is distinguished from other tritoniids by jaws with 10–14 rows of denticles on the inner lips, absence of stomach plates and the radular formula 32 × 2–5.1.1.1.2–5 teeth. Tritonia khaleesi sp. nov. is the only Tritonia that possesses a unicuspid rachidian tooth as an adult.”
Silva explained to Papelpop.com a few of the reasons why he was inspired by Khaleesi when it came to naming this new species of sea slug. He explained that the silver band on the back of the sea slug was very reminiscent to Khaleesi’s braids, especially towards the end of season one. Furthermore, the Tritonia khaleesi is one of the smallest of the sea slugs. This made him think of Khaleesi as her character was once described as being “low and new”.
Take a look at the similarities! These sea slugs do seem resemble Khaleesi’s braids! What do you think?
Source: The Mary Sue
