Armored isopods, celebrated for scavenging dead matter on the ocean depths, can reach remarkable sizes. Among the most enormous of these beings are the “supergiants,” and recently, researchers have identified a new species, *Bathynomus vaderi*. This species is named due to its likeness to Darth Vader from *Star Wars*, and these deep-sea inhabitants are anything but malevolent Sith Lords.

With lengths of up to a foot, these 14-legged crustaceans possess a strikingly captivating appearance. In Vietnam, they have transitioned into a sought-after culinary treat, caught by fishing trawlers and lauded for their flavor. A press release from Pensoft Publishers mentions that some aficionados argue these “sea bugs” surpass lobster, often dubbed the “king of seafood,” in taste. Restaurants and social media channels in the area have started promoting their availability, frequently sharing advice on the best preparation methods.

The identification of *Bathynomus vaderi* has been documented in the scientific journal *ZooKeys*. Researchers analyzed four specimens sourced from dealers in Quy Nhơn, a coastal city situated in south-central Vietnam. These isopods were harvested from the South China Sea, showcasing the vast biodiversity of ocean environments—much of which remains uncharted or unknown.

“The existence of such a large species remaining concealed for an extended period highlights the vast knowledge yet to be uncovered about Southeast Asian waters,” the press release stated.

One of the authors of the study, Nguyen Thanh So, was photographed with another type of “supergiant” isopod, emphasizing the continuous efforts to document these intriguing creatures. Images of *Bathynomus vaderi* specimens, credited to Rene Ong, further depict their distinctive look.

Organizations dedicated to ocean research are ramping up their initiatives to map and investigate the deep sea, striving to unveil its enigmas. This endeavor is increasingly urgent as deep-sea mining projects gear up to employ industrial machinery across the ocean floor. Such operations could jeopardize sensitive ecosystems that possess extraordinary scientific and medicinal potential. Notably, marine invertebrates have been found to produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any terrestrial organisms, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The identification of *Bathynomus vaderi* serves as a poignant reminder of the immense, untapped insights lurking beneath the surface — and the essential obligation to safeguard and investigate these marine realms before they undergo irreversible transformation.