New Deep-Sea Isopod Species Named After Darth Vader Discovered Off Vietnam

The 30-centimeter-long Bathynomus vaderi, found near the Spratly Islands, is notable for its resemblance to the Star Wars villain's helmet.

Researchers identified the new isopod species, Bathynomus vaderi, in the South China Sea near Vietnam's Spratly Islands.
The species was named after Darth Vader due to the shape of its head, which resembles the iconic Star Wars character's helmet.
Bathynomus vaderi measures up to 30 centimeters in length, weighs over a kilogram, and is significantly larger than common isopods.
The isopod is considered a delicacy in Vietnam, where it is commercially fished and sold at high prices, with some claiming it tastes better than lobster.
The discovery highlights how little is known about deep-sea biodiversity, underscoring the need for more research to protect ocean ecosystems from threats like overfishing and resource extraction.