Giant sea bug species discovered in Vietnam, named after Darth Vader

The Bathynomus vaderi species of giant isopod
The Bathynomus vaderi species of giant isopod | Photo courtesy of Nguyen Thanh Son
4 Min

Isopods have grown in popularity as a seafood delicacy in Vietnam over the past decade, and scientists say they have identified a new species in the nation’s waters.

The new species has been named Bathynomus vaderi, as its head resembles the distinctive helmet of Darth Vader from “Star Wars,” according to a release. Researchers have classified Bathynomus vaderi as a supergiant species, measuring up to around 13 inches in length and weighing over 1 kilogram.

Until 2017, isopods, or sea bugs as they are more commonly referred to in Vietnam, had been caught in deep waters by fishermen who often sold them as low-priced bycatch.

However, since that year, sea bugs have gained popularity as a trendy delicacy, with some consumers even claiming it is more delicious than lobster, according to the release.

Sea bugs are now sold live in seafood markets and as part of restaurant dishes in many of Vietnam’s major cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

Bathynomus vaderi has quietly coexisted among the recognized species found in some local markets and has only now been officially classified as a new species, according to a statement from Hanoi National University.

“The discovery of a species as strange as Bathynomus vaderi in Vietnam highlights just how poorly we understand the deep-sea environment,” the release said. “That a species as large as this could have stayed hidden for so long reminds us just how much work we still need to do to find out what lives in Southeast Asian waters.”

Vietnam Nutrition Association Vice President Do Thi Ngoc Diep said that although the meat and eggs of sea bugs are edible and rich in nutrients, she emphasized the importance of thoroughly cooking them and avoiding raw or undercooked consumption. Additionally, individuals with food allergies should limit their intake, Tuoi Tre Online reported in June 2023.

The price of sea bugs in Vietnam varies depending on the harvesting season – typically from February to May – their size, and availability. 

On average, a fishing trip yields a few dozen kilograms, though some can bring in several hundred kilograms. In 2023, merchants purchased them at around VND 1.5 million (USD 60, EUR 58.30) per kilogram at the start of the season, rising to VND 2.5 million (USD 97.60, EUR 94.80) per kilogram by the season’s end. Prices can increase significantly when they reach consumers, especially for those weighing around 2 kilograms or more, Quan doi nhan dan newspaper reported in September 2023.


SeafoodSource Premium

Become a Premium member to unlock the rest of this article.

Continue reading ›

Already a member? Log in ›

Subscribe

Want seafood news sent to your inbox?

You may unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time. Diversified Communications | 121 Free Street, Portland, ME 04101 | +1 207-842-5500
Secondary Featured Article