Mick Fanning has a new claim to fame, with a recently discovered spider species being named after him.

A competition was held to name the new species of water spider at the recent World Science Festival in Brisbane.

Entrants were asked to pick a name that not only captured the essence of the spider but drew inspiration from World Science Festival Brisbane, World Water Day or a Queensland connection.

Brazil's Hector Manuel Osório Gonzalez Filho submitted the winning name, mickfanningi, in honour of the Gold Coast surfer.

Fanning said he was surprised at the naming honour.

"It's pretty awesome to know that the spider is quite local to the Gold Coast and only a short drive from Snapper," he said.

Queensland Museum arachnologist Dr Robert Raven said the Pisauridae mickfanningi had unique qualities, such as the pattern on its back.

"What makes this species even more special is that it has a very distinct colour pattern and quite different genitalia, which makes it quite easy to differentiate between others in the group," Dr Raven said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was fitting the water spider was named after Fanning, given his illustrious surfing career and connection to Queensland.

"Both Mick Fanning and the Queensland scientists who discovered this new species of spider are world leaders in their respective fields, so it's fitting to bring the two together in this way," she said.

//MOLLY FRANKHAM

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