The ocean just got a whole lot more anime. Researchers at the University of Ryukyus have officially named a newly discovered fish species Vanderhorstia supersaiyan, paying tribute to Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama and one of the franchise’s most iconic transformations.
Announced on November 27th, this isn’t just another fish story, it’s a beautiful intersection of marine biology and pop culture that shows how deeply Toriyama’s work has influenced even the scientific community.
Golden fins in the deep
The fish was caught off the coast of Ishigaki Island, pulled from what scientists call the “twilight zone”—that mysterious stretch of ocean between 100 and 300 meters deep where sunlight barely reaches. When researchers examined their catch at 210 meters depth, they immediately noticed something special: vibrant yellow bands running across its fins that looked strikingly similar to the golden energy aura of a Super Saiyan transformation.
In Japan, the species has been given the common name “Eleki-haze” (electric goby), since those same brilliant patterns also evoke crackling electricity. It’s a fitting double meaning that captures both the Dragon Ball reference and the fish’s striking appearance.
More than just a cool name
While the name alone would make any Dragon Ball fan smile, there’s real scientific significance here. This marks the 34th known species in the Vanderhorstia genus, but what makes it particularly interesting is its habitat. This Super Saiyan fish lives considerably deeper than its closest relatives, suggesting that the depths around Okinawa are hiding far more biodiversity than previously thought.
The discovery was documented in Ichthyological Research, where the team emphasized that many rare and unknown species likely remain in these deeper waters, waiting to be found. It’s a reminder that our oceans still hold countless mysteries, some of them with unexpectedly geeky connections.
A lasting legacy
Akira Toriyama’s passing earlier this year left a void in the hearts of fans worldwide, but tributes like this show how his creations continue to inspire across all fields. From art and entertainment to now marine biology, Goku’s legacy swims on, literally.
So the next time someone tells you anime isn’t influential, just remember: there’s a fish 210 meters underwater that officially carries the Super Saiyan name. Power levels in the ocean just went over 9,000.
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