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."

...

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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[–] 474D@lemmy.world 26 points 7 months ago (1 children)

"super giant" ... "2 pounds" ... Look guys, we're in the climate change era of doom, if you wanna use buzzwords like that, we want straight up Cthulhu

[–] MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.net 30 points 7 months ago (2 children)

places a foot-long, 2-pound bug on your head

[–] 474D@lemmy.world 30 points 7 months ago

Ok not like that

[–] Evil_Shrubbery@lemm.ee 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

If it wants what's in there, let that stupid big bug at it.

Or maybe it's like a cat and it's starts making biscuits (and purring).
Awww, cute.

[–] Alice@beehaw.org 13 points 7 months 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 13 points 7 months ago (2 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 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (1 children)

The briny deep turns monsterflesh into tasty treats.

[–] thefartographer@lemm.ee 3 points 7 months ago (1 children)

This nightmarish poem inspires and horrifies me

[–] MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.net 2 points 7 months ago

It was rather beautiful.

[–] Alice@beehaw.org 3 points 7 months 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 6 months 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.

[–] smeg@feddit.uk 12 points 7 months ago (2 children)

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

Does it though?

[–] Diddlydee@feddit.uk 3 points 6 months ago

No. It does not. At all.

[–] Dkarma@lemmy.world -3 points 6 months ago

Disney dorks are so fucking pathetic and irritating

[–] Emperor@feddit.uk 3 points 7 months ago

Obligatory mention of The Bay.

[–] TheOneAndOnly@lemmy.world 3 points 6 months ago

Everyone here freaking out, take a hard look at this next to a lobster and tell me what makes them so different? They'll be importing these to Saudi Arabia, covering them in gold leaf, and serving them to idiot billionaires for ridiculous money as a "delicacy" any moment... If it's not already happening.

[–] guiguinofake@sh.itjust.works 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Goddammit we need to burn the oceans now

[–] Evil_Shrubbery@lemm.ee 8 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

We are doing that as fast as humanly possible, it's a global coordinated effort by the whole species.
Don't you follow the news & are you not doing your part?

We far outevil some wet bugs.

[–] guiguinofake@sh.itjust.works 1 points 6 months ago

We're boiling them off not burning them.