Message from Darth Vader: A supergiant has been discovered in the ocean wearing its iconic "helmet" (photos included).

The history of Earth spans over 4.5 billion years, during which our planet has become home to an incredible number of species. Some of these species are well-known to science, while others are still being discovered, with most of the unfamiliar species typically residing in the ocean, according to Live Science.

Scientists have uncovered a previously unseen giant marine bug after examining samples purchased from fishermen in Vietnam. They further analyzed the specimen and found that it belongs to an unknown species, which has been named Bathynomus vaderi due to its resemblance to the iconic helmet of Darth Vader from "Star Wars."

It is worth noting that the new species belongs to the genus Bathynomus and is a giant isopod that is commonly found in the cold deep waters of the South China Sea. These giants can reach lengths of about 32.5 centimeters and can weigh around 1 kilogram, making them some of the largest known isopods.

Researchers point out that the species was named "vaderi" because its head resembles the iconic helmet of Darth Vader from "Star Wars." Previously, this species was only found near the Spratly Islands, an archipelago in the South China Sea; however, researchers believe it may inhabit other areas of the South China Sea as well.

In the new study, scientists examined samples caught by local fishermen and discovered that several individuals possess distinctive features that set them apart as a separate species. Among these features, the researchers described a pronounced depression in the pelvic bone and a unique bony ridge protruding from the coracoid bone, distinguishing 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 marine bugs into a high-priced staple in the seafood market. Researchers indicate that this commercial interest unfortunately creates both opportunities and challenges. The rapidly growing market may threaten the giant isopods, but it could also pave the way for stricter regulations and sustainable deep-sea fishing practices.

Interestingly, despite its remarkable size, the new species is not the largest known isopod. Researchers state that the title of the largest isopod belongs to B. Jamesi, which can reach lengths of up to 50 centimeters and weigh around 2.6 kilograms. Supergiant isopods are often found in deep-sea environments, making them difficult to study due to their inaccessibility.