Giant Isopod

deep sea · creepy crawlies · ocean giants

Massive cousins of shrimp. Giant isopods are related to the tiny pill bugs you might find in your garden, but they grow to about 16 inches long, about the size of a small football. They have hard exoskeletons with segments that let them curl up into a ball for protection.

Living in total darkness. These creatures live on the deep ocean floor, thousands of feet down where sunlight never reaches. The pressure down there could crush a car, but their tough bodies are perfectly built for this harsh world.

Garbage disposal of the sea. Giant isopods are scavengers that eat dead fish, whale bones, and other leftovers that sink to the bottom. Scientists have found them gathered around whale bones on the seafloor, feeding like an underwater cleanup crew.

Slow and steady walkers. These creatures use their eight pairs of legs to trudge across the muddy ocean floor, searching for food. They can go a long time without eating, which is helpful when meals are hard to find in the deep sea.

Found in three oceans. Giant isopods live in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, making them one of the most widespread deep-sea creatures. Scientists study them to learn about life in the deepest parts of our planet.