A new crustacean species named after Darth Vader unveiled

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

As the researchers describe, Bathynomus Vader's head caught the scientific team’s attention due to its significant differences from other species of giant isopods. Because its head resembled the famous helmet of Darth Vader from Star Wars, the nickname "Vader" was conceived.

Scientists observed the new species after examining samples purchased from Vietnamese fishermen in Hanoi, Vietnam. Bathynomus vaderi belongs to the genus Bathynomus — which includes giant isopods. It is a "supergiant," reaching a weight of over two pounds and a length of up to 13 inches, 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. However, scientists suspect it may also be present in other areas of the South China Sea.

Researchers described the new find by discovering unique physical features in several samples caught by local fishermen, indicating a new species variant. 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 species from the genus Bathynomus have recently 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.