This unusual-looking creature was recently brought to the surface by a submarine exploring the deep ocean. It’s a Bathynomus giganteus, more commonly known as a giant isopod. It looks more like a bug you would find on land, but it’s related to shrimp and crabs.

Bathynomus giganteus is believed to live in the deep, cold waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It’s a scavenger, feeding on dead sea creatures such as whales.

Read more about Bathynomus giganteus on the NatGeo News Watch blog.

Did you know that trapezoid crabs help keep coral reefs alive? Get the story on National Geographic Kids.

Photograph courtesy of NOAA/OER