New Giant Sea Bug Species Resembling Darth Vader Discovered in Vietnam

Named Bathynomus vaderi, the deep-sea crustacean is both a scientific marvel and a prized delicacy in Vietnamese markets.

Bathynomus vaderi, a newly identified species of giant isopod, has been named for its head's resemblance to Darth Vader's helmet.
The species, found near Vietnam's Spratly Islands, measures over a foot in length and weighs more than two pounds, exemplifying deep-sea gigantism.
Initially sold as inexpensive bycatch, giant isopods like B. vaderi have become a sought-after delicacy in Vietnam, reportedly tasting similar to lobster.
The discovery highlights the limited understanding of deep-sea biodiversity and the urgent need for sustainable practices in deep-sea fishing and resource exploitation.
Researchers from Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia formally described the species in a study published in ZooKeys, emphasizing its unique physical traits and ecological significance.