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.”

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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    • @bassomitron
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      1113 days ago

      That is nightmare fuel for me

        • @njm1314
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          412 days ago

          Is it just me or does that dude have super big hands?

          • Khrux
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            212 days ago

            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.

  • @474D
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    2613 days ago

    “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

      • @474D
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        3113 days ago

        Ok not like that

      • @[email protected]
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        12 days ago

        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.

    • THCDenton
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      13 days ago

      Anythings good when cooked cajun style

  • @[email protected]
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    1213 days ago

    The species is named “vaderi” because its head resembles Darth Vader’s iconic helmet from “Star Wars.”

    Does it though?

  • @[email protected]
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    613 days ago

    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?

    • @[email protected]
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      112 days ago

      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.

  • @TheOneAndOnly
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    313 days ago

    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.

    • @[email protected]
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      12 days ago

      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.