A newly discovered fish in China now shares a name with one of the world's biggest pop stars. Researchers named the species after Jennie, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink, because they are such devoted fans.
The fish, called Garra jennieae, was found in a stream in Yunnan province, southwestern China. The scientists who described it said they admired Jennie's beauty and talent, and wanted to honor her through their work.
A tiny fish with a big name
The new species belongs to the genus Garra, a group of small freshwater fish often found in fast-flowing streams. It measures only a few centimeters long. The researchers published their findings in a scientific journal, formally introducing Garra jennieae to the world.
The team included scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other institutions. They collected specimens from a tributary of the Mekong River in Yunnan. The fish has distinct physical features that set it apart from related species, including a unique pattern on its body and a specialized mouth structure.
Why local people took notice
In China, Blackpink has a massive following, and Jennie is especially popular. The naming sparked widespread attention online, with fans celebrating the unusual tribute. Local residents in Yunnan may not have known about the tiny fish before, but the connection to a global celebrity suddenly made it newsworthy.
The scientists did not just pick a random name. They explained in their paper that they chose "jennieae" because of their personal admiration for the singer. This kind of naming is not uncommon in taxonomy, where researchers sometimes name species after famous people, but it still surprises the public when pop culture and science intersect.
A lasting mark on science
The discovery adds to the known biodiversity of the Mekong River basin, one of the most biologically rich regions on Earth. Naming a species after a celebrity does not change its scientific value, but it does draw attention to the natural world. For the researchers, it was a way to combine their professional work with a personal passion. For fans, it is a reminder that science can be playful, too.
