New giant isopod species, Bathynomus vaderi

A new species of giant isopod, named Bathynomus vaderi, has been discovered by an international team of researchers, including a scientist from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). This discovery expands our knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity.

The deep sea remains one of the least explored and most extreme environments on Earth, with vast regions still understudied. Despite its critical role in marine biodiversity, many deep-sea species remain undiscovered. Understanding these organisms is crucial for advancing ecological knowledge and biodiversity conservation.

Bathynomus vaderi, named after the iconic Star Wars character “Darth Vader” due to its resemblance to his helmet, was first observed in 2022. This species adds to the growing catalogue of deep-sea organisms. The discovery highlights the importance of global collaboration in marine research, providing valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of life in extreme ocean depths. Understanding the unique characteristics of such species can inform efforts to protect marine ecosystems and guide biotechnological advancements.

The species was formally described through the collaborative efforts of experts from three institutions across different countries: Professor Peter NG from LKCNHM, Singapore; Dr Conni SIDABALOK from the Research Center for Biosystematics & Evolution, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia; and Dr NGUYEN Thanh Son from the Vietnam National University, Vietnam. The rarity of this discovery underscores the vast amount of marine life still waiting study in deep-sea ecosystems.

Ongoing research by LKCNHM focuses on uncovering additional deep-sea species and understanding how these organisms survive in such extreme conditions. With advanced technology and international cooperation, scientists aim to continue exploring the uncharted depths of our oceans, shedding light on their mysterious biodiversity.

Mr Dzaki Safaruan, Associate Curator of Crustacea at LKCNHM, NUS, is pictured holding two Bathynomus vaderi specimens. This species is notable for its considerable size, reaching up to 32.5 cm in length, classifying it among the largest known isopods.

Reference

Ng PKL; Sidabalok CM*; Nguyen TS, “A new species of supergiant Bathynomus A. Milne-Edwards, 1879 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cirolanidae) from Vietnam, with notes on the taxonomy of Bathynomus jamesi Kou, Chen & Li, 2017” ZooKeys Issue: 1223 Page: 289-310 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1223.139335 Published: 2025.