April 1, 2010 - Giant Isopod Hauled Up from Deep Ocean.
“Deep-sea gigantism, for all crustaceans, is a consequence
of larger cells sizes obtained under cold temperatures. In crustaceans,
Bathymetric gigantism might also in part reflect decreases in temperature
leading to longer life spans and thus, larger sizes in indeterminate growers.”
- C. R. McClain, ScienceBlogs
This large crustacean is a Bathynomus giganteus, a deep-sea scavenger
that feeds on dead whales, fish and squid in deep Atlantic and Pacific Ocean
waters. The giant isopod measured 2.5 feet long after being recently hauled up
clinging to a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), an underwater robot, that had
been working at about 8,500 feet below sea level. Image by Imgur.
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