species, including what is thought to be the  largest isopod in the world, Bathynomus giganteus.  

They are abundant in the cold, deep waters of  the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans where  

the water pressure is intense. With the largest species reaching over 14 in (370 mm) long, giant isopods  

exhibit deep sea gigantism. This is likely caused  by colder temperatures and longer lifespans. This  

makes them significantly larger than their  smaller isopod relatives (pill bug). They  

prefer muddy bottoms at depths between  560 to 7000 ft (170 and 2140 m) deep.  

They have large, reflective eyes and 14 legs.  Their segmented body has two pairs of antennae.  

The abdomen has limbs called pleopods that  are used for swimming and respiration.  

Giant isopods are important deep sea scavengers.  They feed on dead creatures, like whales  

that have fallen to the seafloor, but they may  also feed on slow moving or sessile animals.  

Their mouthparts are highly adapted to cut  and ingest large chunks of food. A large and  

flexible gut maximizes food ingestion. They can  rapidly detect dead animals by chemoreception.  

They can go a long time without food. Like  their tiny relatives, giant isopods can roll  

into a ball when threatened. Their hard  skeleton protects them from predators.  

Female isopods lay eggs. They develop a special  pouch to hold the eggs and newly the hatched  

babies. The young emerge from the pouch as  miniature adults. Sometimes giant isopods  

get caught in deep water trawling nets.  They are commonly caught in baited traps.  

Some are kept in aquariums. In some parts of  Asia, giant isopods are considered a delicacy.  

They are said to taste like lobster. For more  marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!!