In most cases, having a new species named after you would be pretty incredible, but we’re not sure if that’s really the case for a newly discovered ocean parasite that has been dubbed after Jamaican singing legend, Bob Marley.
Marine biologist, Paul Sikkel of Arkansas State University discovered a new species of bloodsucking parasite that attaches itself to fish living in coral reefs in the Caribbean. Doesn’t exactly conjure up images of a peace-loving reggae musician, but Sikkel wanted to pay tribute to the singer through the name anyhow.
Sikkel explained his reasoning for naming the tiny crustacean, called Gnathia marleyi, saying, “I named this species, which is truly a natural wonder, after Marley because of my respect and admiration for Marley’s music.
Plus, this species is as uniquely Caribbean as was Marley,” he said via CNN.
This isn’t the first celebrity to have a critter named after them either. Other notable figures that share this distinct honor include President Obama (a lichen), Comedian Stephen Colbert (a bug), Elvis Presley (a wasp), and even Beyonce, who recently had a fly with a golden-haired bottom named after her.
