The scientific community has recently been abuzz with the unveiling of a new supergiant isopod species in the eastern Indian Ocean. This intriguing marine creature, known as the Bathynomus raksasa, was discovered in the waters off the southern coast of West Java, Indonesia, and has earned the nickname ‘cockroach of the sea’. The research behind this discovery was conducted by a group of scientists from Singapore back in 2018.
Unveiling the Super Giant Isopod: Bathynomus raksasa
The Bathynomus raksasa is classified as a super giant isopod and belongs to the genus Bathynomus. Isopods are a type of marine invertebrate, which means they do not possess backbones. They are part of the larger family of crustaceans, which also includes animals like crabs and shrimp. These marine creatures have adapted to survive in a multitude of environments, ranging from mountainous areas to vast deserts and even the deepest parts of the sea. Isopods that grow up to 50 cm in length are acknowledged as ‘supergiants’ – a classification that includes the largest species of isopods, which are from the genus Bathynomus.
Distinct Features of the Bathynomus raksasa
The Bathynomus raksasa stands out amongst other isopods due to its unique physical characteristics. Despite having 14 legs, these are predominantly used for crawling along ocean floors as it searches for food rather than swimming. The size of this isopod is noteworthy as well, with measurements around 50 cm in length. This is considerably larger than most isopods, which typically do not exceed 33 cm. The only isopod proven to surpass the raksasa in size is the Bathynomus giganteus, a species often found in the depths of the western Atlantic Ocean. Bathynomus raksasa is a scavenger by nature, feeding on the remains of deceased marine animals like whales and fish. Interestingly, it can survive without food for long durations – a feature that it shares with its land counterpart, the cockroach.
The Significance of Bathynomus raksasa’s Discovery
The discovery of Bathynomus raksasa carries significant scientific value. It holds the distinction of being the first recorded species of the genus Bathynomus in Indonesia. Additionally, it is the sixth supergiant species identified in the Indo-West Pacific region and ranks among the largest known members of genus Bathynomus. The unveiling of this species is expected to provide valuable insights into the deep sea ecology. This discovery marks a crucial step forward in advancing our understanding of marine biodiversity and the untapped mysteries of oceanic life.
