
| Bathynomus vaderi was discovered after scientists noticed differences between it and other species of giant isopods
Researchers have discovered a new, incredibly huge species of sea bug, named after Darth Vader from Star Wars.
The Earth's history spans more than 4,5 billion years, and during that time, our planet has become home to an incredible number of species. Some of them have long been known to science, while others we are still discovering, and most of the species that are still unknown to us tend to live in the ocean, writes Live Science.
Scientists have discovered a previously unseen giant sea bug after studying specimens purchased from fishermen in Vietnam. They further studied the specimen and discovered that it belongs to a previously unknown species, named Bathynomus vaderi because of its resemblance to Darth Vader's iconic helmet from Star Wars.
The new species belongs to the genus Bathynomus and is a giant isopod that is abundant in the cold, deep waters of the South China Sea. These giants can reach lengths of about 32,5 centimeters and weigh about 1 kilogram, making them among the largest known isopods.
The researchers say the species was named "vaderi" because its head resembles Darth Vader's iconic helmet from Star Wars. Previously, the species had only been found near the Spratly Islands, an archipelago in the South China Sea, but researchers believe it may also inhabit other parts of the South China Sea.

In the new study, scientists examined specimens caught by local fishermen and found that several individuals had distinctive features that set them apart as a separate species. Among these features, the scientists described a pronounced depression in the pelvic bone and a unique bony crest protruding from the coracoid bone that sets it apart from other supergiant isopods.
The scientists note that Bathynomus species have recently become a delicacy in Vietnam and are often compared to lobsters. As a result, demand has turned these giant sea bugs into an expensive staple in the seafood market. Unfortunately, this commercial interest creates both opportunities and challenges, the researchers say. The rapidly growing market could put giant isopods at risk, but it could also pave the way for stricter regulations and sustainable deep-sea fishing practices.
By the way, despite its amazing size, the new species is not the largest isopod species at all. The researchers note that the title of the largest isopod belongs to B. Jamesi, which can reach a length of 50 centimeters and a weight of about 2,6 kilograms. Supergiant isopods are often found in deep-sea environments, so they are difficult to study due to inaccessibility.
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