The history of the Earth goes back more than 4.5 billion years and during this time our planet has become home to an incredible number of species. Some of them have long been known to science, while others we are still discovering, and most of the species still unfamiliar to us, as a rule, live in the ocean, writes Live Science.

Scientists have discovered a never-before-seen giant sea bug after studying samples purchased from fishermen in Vietnam.. They further examined the specimen and discovered that it belonged to a previously unknown species, which was named Bathynomus vaderi due to its resemblance to Darth Vader's iconic helmet from Star Wars..

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Note that the new species belongs to the genus Bathynomus and is a giant isopod that is found in abundance in the cold, deep waters of the South China Sea. These giants reach a length of about 32.5 centimeters and their weight can be about 1 kilogram, making them one of the largest isopods known..

Researchers note that the species was named " The species was previously only found near the Spratly Islands, an archipelago in the South China Sea, but researchers believe it may live in other parts of the South China Sea..

In a new study, scientists examined specimens caught by local fishermen and found that several individuals had distinctive features that set them apart as a distinct species.. Among these features, scientists described a pronounced depression in the pelvic bone and a unique bony ridge protruding from the coracoid bone, which distinguishes it from other supergiant isopods..

Scientists note that Bathynomus species have recently become a delicacy in Vietnam and are often compared to lobsters.. As a result, demand has turned these giant sea bugs into an expensive staple in the seafood market.. This commercial interest, unfortunately, creates both opportunities and challenges, the researchers say.. A fast-growing market could threaten giant isopods, but it could also pave the way for stricter regulations and sustainable deep-sea fishing practices.

By the way, despite its amazing size, the new species is not at all the largest isopod species. Researchers note that the title of largest isopod belongs to B. Jamesi, which can reach a length of 50 centimeters and a weight of about 2.6 kilograms. Supergiant isopods are often found in deep-sea environments and are difficult to study due to their inaccessibility.

Focus previously wrote about why scientists name new animal species after Trump or Master Yoda.