A giant isopod was pronounced dead this week at the Toba Aquarium in Japan. The giant isopod was known as “No. 1” since the aquarium housed two isopods. No. 1 had been residing at the aquarium since 2007 and had made news previously, as for some unknown reason, the isopod stopped eating in 2009. It’s last meal consisted of 50g of horse mackerel. Aquarium keeper Takeya Moritaki, who cared for the isopod, was puzzled as to why.

Through out the years that followed, Moritaki often invited photographers for press releases of feedings in hope that No. 1’s hunger strike would end. After 5 years and 43 days with no food, No. 1 died on February 14, 2014. It raises interesting questions that, for now, no one has the answer to. MORE