Bathynomus gigantea
Fast Facts
- It can roll into a ball to protect its soft underside, similar to pill bugs found on land.
- They have been known to survive for four years without food when kept in a protected environment such as an aquarium.
- When a significant source of food is encountered, giant isopods gorge themselves to the point of compromising their locomotive ability.
Range
Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans
Habitat
500-7,000 feet, on mud or clay ocean floors
Size
16 inches
Nutrition
Carrion