New Giant Isopod Species Discovered in Vietnam's Waters
Giant isopods from the genus Bathynomus, known locally in Vietnam as "sea bugs" or bọ biển, can grow up to 30 cm in length. A newly identified species, Bathynomus vaderi, has been described from Vietnamese waters for the first time. The name "vaderi" is inspired by the creature's head, which resembles the iconic helmet of Darth Vader from Star Wars.
Bathynomus vaderi is classified as a "supergiant," reaching lengths of up to 32.5 cm and weighing over a kilogram. This new species has only been found near the Spratly Islands in Vietnam, though further exploration may confirm its presence in other areas of the South China Sea.
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Historically, giant isopods were considered a bycatch and sold at low prices by local fishermen. However, since 2017, media attention has transformed these creatures into an expensive delicacy, with some claiming they rival lobster in taste. Commercial fishing of Bathynomus species has increased, particularly in the deep waters of Vietnam's East Sea (part of the South China Sea), with isopods being sold alive in seafood markets in Hanoi, Hồ Chí Minh City, and Đà Nẵng City. Some outlets even advertise them on social media platforms.
In March 2022, a team from Hanoi University purchased four giant isopods from Quy Nhơn City. Two were sent to Peter Ng at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore for identification. Ng, alongside Conni M. Sidabalok from the National Research and Innovation Agency in Indonesia and Nguyen Thanh Son from Vietnam National University, studied the specimens and discovered they belonged to an undescribed species. Their findings were published in ZooKeys in early 2023.
The discovery of Bathynomus vaderi underscores how much remains unknown about deep-sea ecosystems. The fact that such a large species remained hidden for so long emphasizes the need for further research into Southeast Asia's underwater biodiversity. With growing human activities in deep-sea habitats, including fisheries, oil, and gas exploration, understanding these ecosystems is crucial for ensuring sustainable practices. The sustainable fishing of giant isopods presents an additional challenge in this effort.