The specimens were the bycatch of a fishing vessel in the South China Sea, which researchers later bought to study.

Bathynomus isopods are divided into two size-based groups, researchers said. Giant species are 5.9 inches ... Researchers said many aquariums and museums now have Bathynomus exhibits to educate ...

Dr Conni Sidabalok, a study coauthor, explained that the giant isopod's size might help it survive in the deep sea by providing a competitive advantage over other scavengers. The species feeds on ...