The Bathynomus giganteus is a species of aquatic crustacean belonging to the order Isopoda. It is a member of the giant isopods (Bathynomus), and while distantly related to shrimps and crabs, it exhibits unique characteristics that set it apart.
Found in the benthic regions of cold waters, Bathynomus giganteus thrives in depths ranging from 310 to 2140 meters in the West-Atlantic, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. The unusually large size of Bathynomus giganteus is attributed to a phenomenon known as deep-sea gigantism, where invertebrates living in cold, deep waters tend to grow larger and have longer lifespans.
This particular specimen was captured at a depth of 500 meters in a deep-sea lobster trap in the French West Indies, showcasing the remarkable biodiversity of our oceans.
Presented in a glass vitrine atop a black wood base, this Bathynomus giganteus specimen serves as a fascinating reminder of the mysteries that lie beneath the ocean's surface.