Newly discovered isopod named after Star Wars icon Darth Vader

This is Bathynomus vaderi, found in the South China Sea — a new type of crustacean from the order of isopods (Isopoda). It belongs to the giant isopods, abundant in cold, deep waters. The scientists detailed their discovery in the scientific journal "ZooKeys."

The scientific team was drawn to Bathynomus Vader's head because it was significantly different from other species of giant isopods. Because its head resembled Darth Vader's famous helmet from Star Wars, the nickname "Vader" was fittingly chosen.

Scientists observed the new species after examining samples from Vietnamese fishermen in Hanoi. Bathynomus vaderi belongs to the genus Bathynomus, which includes giant isopods. It is a "supergiant," reaching a weight of over 0.9 kilograms and a length of up to 33 centimetres, making it one of the largest isopods.

According to research published in the scientific journal "ZooKeys," Bathynomus vaderi has been identified only near the Spratly Islands, although scientists suspect it may also be present in other areas of the South China Sea.

Researchers described the new find, noting unique physical features in several samples caught by local fishermen that indicated a new variant of the species. Bathynomus vaderi stands out with a distinctive indentation in the hip bone and a unique bony crest protruding from the coracoid bone, distinguishing it from other supergiant isopods.

Scientists have noted that recently, species from the genus Bathynomus have gained popularity as a delicacy in Vietnam, often compared to lobster. The rise in local demand has made these sea insects an expensive commodity in the seafood market, leading to increased regional fishing.