This is a Giant Isopod. Now you’re probably saying, “No it isn’t; it’s an alien from the planet Zorgon X2.” Well, you’re wrong. It’s a crustacean from the family Cirolanidae, and can be found in the deep Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Giant Isopods average about 17-50 centimeters long, much larger than other Isopods, which only grow up to 5 centimeters! As far as their depth range is concerned, they may be found anywhere from the ocean’s sublittoral zone at 170 meters, to as deep as 2,140 meters in the bathypelagic zone. These hideous creatures mostly scavenge and because food is scarce at the bottom of the sea they may survive in famine conditions. One was even known to last five years without eating!
COOL FACT:
Isopods and cats have a a mirror-like substance at the back of their eyes called the tapeum,
which reflects light and makes their eyes appear to glow.
