Giant Isopod: Gulf of Mexico 2017

On November 30, 2017, during the first dive of the Okeanos Explorer Gulf of Mexico 2017 expedition, we saw this giant deep-sea isopod (Bathynomus giganteus) at a depth of ~810 meters (2,660 feet). Measuring nearly 30 centimeters (almost one foot) long, these giant isopods are a great example of deep-sea gigantism, as most isopods in the deep sea are much smaller, about the size of your thumbnail. While we often see these giant underwater ’pill bugs’ resting on the seafloor, we don’t always get to see them swim, so seeing this isopod come in for a landing was exciting! Video courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Gulf of Mexico 2017. Learn more about the expedition: