A “superior” sea bug named after Darth Vader in the South China Sea

Researchers studying crustaceans in Vietnam have identified a new “super” species of sea bug that bears an uncanny resemblance to a classic movie villain.

Deep sea bugs or Bathynomus Species, since 2017 are regularly eaten in Vietnam, according to the researchers, who published their findings in the scientific journal Zokis. Crustaceans, members of the isopod family, are mostly caught from the deep waters of the South China Sea and sold in restaurants and other eateries. The study was exploring the sudden popularity of crustaceans.

While conducting the research, scientists noticed a species they had never seen before. All isopods are characterized by strong, protective exoskeletons and seven pairs of legs, but they are usually surprisingly small, about 2.5 centimeters. The new species evolved to be much larger, about 30 centimeters, the researchers said. Only 11 “supergiant” and nine “giant” Betinomus species are known, and this is the second supergiant found in the South China Sea.

The species was officially named Bathynomus fatherAfter the “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader. Researchers believe the crustacean’s head resembles Vader’s iconic helmet.

The new breed is narrower at the back of the legs and turns slightly backwards. This helped the researchers to distinguish them from the largest existing species, according to the study.

The crustacean is thought to live more than 3,000 feet in water, reports CBS news affiliate BBC News, where no light reaches it. The researchers said they were told the species was caught near the Spratly Islands in Vietnam. More work is needed to determine if the species lives elsewhere in the South China Sea.