In the depths of the South China Sea, lurking over 3,000 feet underwater where no light dares to shine, researchers discovered a new “supergiant” sea bug that looks like it stepped right out of the Star Wars universe. Say hello to Bathynomus vaderi, a crustacean so cool it’s named after none other than Darth Vader himself.
This newly identified species of deep-sea isopod boasts a hard exoskeleton, seven pairs of legs, and a helmet-like head that’s eerily reminiscent of the Sith Lord’s iconic look. While most isopods are tiny (think 2.5 centimeters), B. vaderi is a whopping 30 centimeters long—practically the Darth Vader of sea bugs.
Fished near Vietnam’s Spratly Islands and already a seafood delicacy, these creatures are rare finds. Only 11 “supergiant” Bathynomus species exist, and this is just the second one spotted in the South China Sea.
For now, this mysterious crustacean remains in the shadows, like a true villain. Who knows what other secrets lie in the uncharted waters of the deep sea? Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of the Bathynomus vaderi saga!