this post was submitted on 19 Jan 2025
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And Finally...

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Scientists have discovered a never-before-seen giant sea bug after studying samples purchased from fishers in Vietnam.

Bathynomus vaderi belongs to the genus Bathynomus — giant isopods that are abundant in cold, deep waters. It is a "supergiant," weighing over 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) and growing up to 12.8 inches (32.5 centimeters) long, making it one of the largest known isopods.

The species is named "vaderi" because its head resembles Darth Vader's iconic helmet from "Star Wars."

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The researchers noted that Bathynomus species have recently become a delicacy in Vietnam, often compared to lobster. The local demand has turned these sea bugs into an expensive staple of the live-seafood market, leading to increased fishing pressures in the region.

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[–] Alice@beehaw.org 14 points 1 month ago (1 children)

The researchers noted that Bathynomus species have recently become a delicacy in Vietnam, often compared to lobster.

Not the point, but I've always wondered if people ate these things!

[–] MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.net 14 points 1 month ago (3 children)

People seeing some multilegged horror in their backyard: KILL IT WITH FIRE

People seeing the same thing in the ocean: I bet that tastes delicious with Old Bay and butter.

[–] Comment105@lemm.ee 7 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

The briny deep turns monsterflesh into tasty treats.

[–] thefartographer@lemm.ee 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

This nightmarish poem inspires and horrifies me

[–] MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.net 2 points 1 month ago

It was rather beautiful.

[–] steal_your_face@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 month ago

Shrimps is bugs

[–] Alice@beehaw.org 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

The first point makes me genuinely sad, how are you gonna be mad about an animal outside in its own habitat? 😭 Besides, most multi-legged horrors are adorable.

[–] rikudou@lemmings.world 1 points 1 month ago

most multi-legged horrors are adorable

Hmm, you see where you might differ from the common person? That might explain why people are mad about "an animal in its own habitat".

If it looks like it wants to kill me and happen to be in my own habitat, you bet it goes first.