1Love.orgA blood-sucking, ocean-dwelling parasite has been named after reggae legend Bob Marley. The honor has been handed out by marine biologist Paul Sikkel of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, reports the Los Angeles *****.

The name Gnathia marleyi has been given to the uniquely Caribbean species “because of my respect and admiration of Marley’s music,” says Sikkel, who has been working with his colleagues on the study of the ecological effects of commercial fishing and the degradation of coral reefs.

The scientists thought that the species had already been classified, but Sikkel sent specimens away for tests and it was confirmed that the parasite had never previously been named.

Other celebrities who have had similar honors include all four members of The Beatles, who had beetles named after them; Beyonce, who has a horsefly that carries her name; and President Obama, who has a California lichen named in his honor.

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