The public aquarium’s fifth captive isopod (cleverly named “No.5”) measures an impressive 10 inches (25 cm) in length and weighs in at 2.75 lbs (1.25 kg).  After over three years in captivity, it finally molted.  Because of its size, the process takes a very long time.  Japan Times reports that after six and a half hours, only half of the isopod carapace had molted.

Do you find giant isopods scary and gross?  Believe it or not, there was a recent Japanese craze for “adorable” isopod plush dolls. Retailers couldn’t stock enough of these dolls to keep up with demand!  The fad has died down now, so feel free to order a cuddly giant isopod companion any time.