Giant Tube Worm [Riftia pachyptila]
Description
One of the most iconic species found near deep sea hydrothermal vents. They can grow up to 2.4 meters in length, with the body enclosed in a hard, white tube and bright red plume protruding out. Like other tube worms, they lack a digestive system and rely on symbiotic bacteria to convert chemicals from the vent fluid into nutrients.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Hydroids, Fire Corals, and Stinging Anemones
Hydrozoa
|
| Order |
Leptothecata
Leptothecata
|
| Family |
Sertulariid hydroids
Sertulariidae
|
| Genus |
Northern Tubeworts
Diphasia
|