Scientists have discovered a never-before-seen giant sea bug after studying samples purchased from fishers in Vietnam.
Bathynomus vaderi belongs to the genus Bathynomus — giant isopods that are abundant in cold, deep waters. It is a “supergiant,” weighing over 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) and growing up to 12.8 inches (32.5 centimeters) long, making it one of the largest known isopods.
The species is named “vaderi” because its head resembles Darth Vader’s iconic helmet from “Star Wars.”
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The researchers noted that Bathynomus species have recently become a delicacy in Vietnam, often compared to lobster. The local demand has turned these sea bugs into an expensive staple of the live-seafood market, leading to increased fishing pressures in the region.
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Pic in comparison to human hands
That is nightmare fuel for me
Is it just me or does that dude have super big hands?
I think he’s holding it deceptively far from his body to make it look bigger, and it’s having the same effect on his hands.
It’s like the fast food place in The Emperor’s New Groove!
“super giant” … “2 pounds” … Look guys, we’re in the climate change era of doom, if you wanna use buzzwords like that, we want straight up Cthulhu
places a foot-long, 2-pound bug on your head
Ok not like that
If it wants what’s in there, let that stupid big bug at it.
Or maybe it’s like a cat and it’s starts making biscuits (and purring).
Awww, cute.
But, does it taste good?!
They’re eating them!
The researchers noted that Bathynomus species have recently become a delicacy in Vietnam, often compared to lobster.
Not the point, but I’ve always wondered if people ate these things!
People seeing some multilegged horror in their backyard: KILL IT WITH FIRE
People seeing the same thing in the ocean: I bet that tastes delicious with Old Bay and butter.
Shrimps is bugs
The first point makes me genuinely sad, how are you gonna be mad about an animal outside in its own habitat? 😭 Besides, most multi-legged horrors are adorable.
most multi-legged horrors are adorable
Hmm, you see where you might differ from the common person? That might explain why people are mad about “an animal in its own habitat”.
If it looks like it wants to kill me and happen to be in my own habitat, you bet it goes first.
The species is named “vaderi” because its head resembles Darth Vader’s iconic helmet from “Star Wars.”
Does it though?
No. It does not. At all.
Absolutely massive by woodlice standards, but I was promised Godzilla by that headline. I’m not upset, just disappointed.
How many lightsabers can it hold?
As teenagers usually up to 6 (depending on the local jedi supply), but as they grow they usually stop playing with such toys bcs they look silly in their Godzilla-sized leggies.
Everyone here freaking out, take a hard look at this next to a lobster and tell me what makes them so different? They’ll be importing these to Saudi Arabia, covering them in gold leaf, and serving them to idiot billionaires for ridiculous money as a “delicacy” any moment… If it’s not already happening.
Obligatory mention of The Bay.
Goddammit we need to burn the oceans now
We are doing that as fast as humanly possible, it’s a global coordinated effort by the whole species.
Don’t you follow the news & are you not doing your part?We far outevil some wet bugs.
We’re boiling them off not burning them.
