*NOTE*
This section of the site is mainly on the organisms and how they interact. for information on diet and the food chain of these organisms, got to the Food Web page.
This section of the site is mainly on the organisms and how they interact. for information on diet and the food chain of these organisms, got to the Food Web page.
TubeWorm
A tubeworm is a type of worm that looks sort of like a giant lipstick.
The white outer shell is made of a hard material called chitin, which is also a substance that makes up Crustacean shells, like those of crabs, etc. Read about how they obtain energy in the Food Web section.
The white outer shell is made of a hard material called chitin, which is also a substance that makes up Crustacean shells, like those of crabs, etc. Read about how they obtain energy in the Food Web section.
Chemosynthetic Bacteria
There are many kinds of chemosynthetic bacteria around the vents that obtain energy from the toxic vent gases. More information in Food Web page.
Dandelion siphonophores
These creatures are small, pinkish-orange colored structures that get their name from their shape. They are actually not just one creature but a bunch of small undersea creatures clinging together in a colony. They are almost always the last organisms to inhabit a vent, and are usually a sign that the vent ecosystem is dying as it cannot support any other kinds of life.
Vent Octopuses
Many types of octopuses live around the vents, and are one of the two top predators, the other being the zoarcid fish. Some species of octopuses found here can only be found at these vents. On a side note the term "octopi" is NOT actually the correct plural form of octopus. The correct form is octopuses. Or octopodes. Look it up if you don't believe me.
Clams, shrimp, and mussels.
Many types of clams, mussels, and shrimp live around the vents. They feed off of the huge mats of chemosynthetic bacteria that grow and thrive in the vent area. They are also a source of food for man other vent organisms. More on Food Web Page.
Zoarcid Fish
This fish is the top predator of the hydrothermal vents! It eats EVERYTHING it can find at the vents, from tubeworms to shrimp. More on diet in Food Web section. Despite their huge appetites, they tend to be slow and lethargic, moving at a snail's pace. Most of their time is spent floating around clumps of mussels and tubeworms.
Vent Crabs
A type of crab that lives around the deep sea vents. It