Until the end of the nineteenth century, the assumption that life was absent at the depths of the seas and oceans was unshakable. However, a living specimen of enormous size caught from the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico in 1879 proved the complete inconsistency of this theory and served as a quick refutation of it. The individual turned out to be a male; females could not be detected until 1891. The giant isopod shocked many. There were many versions of what this creature was.
If you think theoretically!
Of course, now the theory that the bottom of oceans and seas at a depth is devoid of vegetation and absolutely lifeless is more than absurd. Indeed, it is there, at the bottom of the sea, that the carcasses of large marine animals after their natural death fall. It is impossible to imagine that such an amount of organic matter will not be interesting to anyone and may be left without proper processing.
Scientists and biologists have diligently tried to prove that the bottom of the ocean is also inhabited. This theory was confirmed by a giant isopod. Mokritsa became a real star in 1879, people could not believe that such creatures found their home under an inconceivable thickness of water.
Seabed orderlies
Huge crustaceans in their appearance are similar to an ordinary wood louse, which has reached enormous size or has mutated. Currently, there are about nine species of these huge crustaceans.
The giant isopod prefers the deep and cold waters of three oceans: the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific. The distribution of crustaceans is poorly studied. And so far no species of giant isopods is known that would live in the eastern part of the Atlantic or Pacific oceans.
These creatures are found at a depth of 170 to 2500 meters in different parts of the oceans. The largest number of individuals was observed at a depth of 360 to 750 meters. These crustaceans grow up to half a meter in length. The largest specimen reached a weight of more than one and a half kilograms and had more than 70 cm in length.
What do isopods eat?
It is generally accepted that they are scavengers, but do not stop only on this type of food. They prey on fine sponges, sea cucumbers and other slowly moving prey. Darkness reigns on the seabed, you can not find a lot of food. Therefore, isopods perfectly adapted to such living conditions and calmly endure a forced hunger strike.
By the way, crustaceans can do without food for quite a long time - up to two months. If they come across a sufficient amount of food, then they are fed up for the future. As a rule, up to a hundred crustaceans stuffing the abdomen can be found in the carcass of a dead large animal. Gigantic isopod loves to feast on carrion. Photos of these creatures today can be found in many books.
Body structure
The body of the isopod is covered with a rigid external exoskeleton, which is divided into segments. The upper segment is fully connected to the head, the lower parts of the skeleton form a strong tail shield covering the shortened tender abdomen. Like wood lice, in case of danger, the giant isopod coils into a tight ring, covered with a strong shell. This helps her defend herself from predators attacking the most vulnerable area under her shell. A giant isopod is able to scare a person who does not know. Description and photos of the creature can be seen in this article.
The eyes of the isopods are huge, multifaceted and quite complex in structure. They are located at a great distance from each other. Crustaceans have excellent frontal vision. However, at great depths, where they live, relying mainly on it is pointless. There is total darkness. Large and small paired antennas located on the sides of the head play the role of sensory organs, but functionally they can replace the sense of smell, touch, reaction to heat and movement.
Such interesting legs
The giant isopod has seven pairs of relatively small legs. The first pair is transformed into the jaw, they help to capture and bring food to the four pairs of jaws. The jawbone rather resembles cutlery when eating. The crustacean belly consists of five equal segments. The body structure of the isopods is peculiar. The color of the shell of a giant crustacean is rather pale, with a lilac or brown hue.
The giant isopod is not immediately apparent. Perhaps that is why for a long time they did not pay attention to it.
Crustacean breeding
The highest reproductive activity in giant isopods is observed in spring and winter. There is enough food at this time. Giant isopod eggs are the largest among marine species of invertebrates. Since there are a lot of people who want to enjoy such a delicacy, the female isopods carries the entire egg laying in a brood bag until small representatives of crustaceans hatch from them.
It is only known that not larvae appear from the bag, but young, fully formed, isopods of crustaceans. However, there is a difference from adults - the absence of the last pair of pectoral legs. It is not known how long the giant isopod lives. The reproduction of crustaceans occurs only in the natural environment, although many are trying to create the appropriate conditions for breeding these creatures in artificial reservoirs.
Captivity
Giant isopods live at great depths, so science knows little about the behavior of crustaceans in their natural habitat. In the aquariums or large aquariums of some cities, you can meet these representatives. They tolerate bondage well, are active and eagerly eat food.
However, a case is known when a representative of crustaceans went without food for five years. He was caught in the Gulf of Mexico and transported to Japan, in the city of Toba. Isopoda, who felt good in captivity, suddenly began to refuse food in 2009. All attempts to feed her ended in failure. The giant isopoda Vicki died after 5 years, the reason is commonplace - starvation.
It is known that these creatures in natural habitats can do without food for a long time and feel great. When the crustacean hunger strike dragged on for several years, scientists began to speculate one more interesting than the other. They thought that the isopod secretly eats food, so it's hard to notice when this happens. Another version is even more interesting: isopod independently grows plankton and feeds on it. But to do all this in a closed aquarium under the scrutiny of specialists is almost impossible. Therefore, assumptions both arose and collapsed.
The version of marine ecologist Taeko Timur is closest to the truth. Since the state of the animal is close to hibernation, its life processes are slowed down. A layer of fat accumulates in his liver, which is consumed over time, and is replenished only during the next meal. Therefore, the activity of isopods is not reduced.
Giant isopods are not caught in industrial volumes, only in private. You can still taste them. Daredevils who decided to enjoy the meat of these unpleasant at first glance crustaceans note a taste similarity with chicken, shrimp and crayfish. These creatures are especially popular in Japan, even plush toys are produced there in their honor.