Scientists in Taiwan have just identified a brand-new species of "supergiant" isopod, a bizarre crustacean that has long fascinated researchers and food enthusiasts alike.
A team of researchers recently stumbled upon four of these giant creatures at a fishing port in Taiwan, where they were sold as bycatch from a deep-sea trawling vessel.
While similar isopods have made headlines as controversial delicacies in East Asia, these particular specimens were destined for science rather than the dinner table.
According to a groundbreaking study published in the Biodiversity Data Journal on March 31, the mysterious deep-sea dwellers belong to an entirely new species: Bathynomus paracelensis. This "supergiant" isopod measures nearly nine inches long, placing it among the largest known of its kind.
Unlike typical isopods, which measure no more than six inches, Bathynomus paracelensis falls into the exclusive "supergiant" category, a designation given only to isopods exceeding 6.7 inches. This marks the third supergiant isopod species discovered in the South China Sea since 2017.
These armored scavengers, which play a vital role in marine ecosystems by feeding on debris that sinks to the ocean floor, have long been the subject of scientific curiosity. However, in 2023, they captured public attention for an entirely different reason—when a Taipei City chef famously served one whole on top of a bowl of ramen, sparking a fiery debate about their use as food.
Despite its impressive size, researchers believe Bathynomus paracelensis may be an "intermediate" species, bridging the gap between giant and supergiant isopods. DNA analysis and physical traits—including its tough, plate-like exoskeleton and specialized feeding appendages—helped confirm its unique classification.
The specimens were hauled in just over 90 miles northeast of the Paracel Islands, a contested region in the South China Sea. The research team, led by Ming-Chih Huang and Tadashi Kawai, hopes this discovery will shed light on the evolutionary pathways of deep-sea life.
Though these eerie creatures may look like something from a sci-fi horror movie, they play a crucial role in maintaining the ocean's delicate balance. Many aquariums and museums now feature Bathynomus exhibits to educate the public about their importance in recycling nutrients and supporting marine ecosystems.
