Scientists have discovered a new giant isopod species, named Bathynomus yucatanensis, in the ocean off the Gulf of Mexico. Compared to other deep sea isopods, this species has a longer antennae and the same number of pleotelson spines, which protrude from its tail end, while having a yellowish shell instead of the typical gray.
The Bathynomus species have been nicknamed ‘Darth Vader of the Seas’ and rightfully so, as they all have heads that resemble the lead villain’s helmet. Since they are found in the deepest parts of the ocean, they are rarely seen by humans, as even this one took a baited cage trap set between 2,000-2,600-feet below the surface to capture. For those who prefer staying on the surface, there’s the Star Wars-inspired Estrella superyacht.
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It is increasingly evident that species of Bathynomus may be exceedingly similar in overall appearance, and also that there is a long history of misidentification of species in the genus. Compared to B. giganteus, B. yucatanensis has more slender body proportions and is shorter in total length … and the pereopods [thoracic limbs] are more slender,” said the researchers.
