The lone giant

In general, it is believed that galaxies form hierarchically: small galaxies formed first, and then these merged into larger ones, which merge into larger ones, etc. As a result, all massive galaxies are expected to be found by lots of smaller ones. This is true for the Milky Way, and M31, and lots of other galaxies - but not ESO 306-17, it is all alone? Did all the small galaxies which would normally be around it merge into this one? Go here to find out. Interesting...