Paralvinella [Paralvinella]

Description

Paralvinella is a genus within the Alvinellidae family, consisting of polychaete worms that thrive in the harsh conditions of deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems. Like their relatives in the genus Alvinella, Paralvinella species are adapted to high temperatures, but they generally inhabit slightly cooler regions of the vents compared to Alvinella. These worms construct tubular dwellings from mucus and particulate matter, which serve as protection against predators and the extreme environment. Paralvinella species exhibit a variety of morphological adaptations to their unique habitat, including specialized appendages for anchoring within their tubes and feather-like external gills for respiration in the oxygen-poor water.

Species

Palm Worm [Paralvinella palmiformis]

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Sulphur Worm [Paralvinella sulfincola]

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Heat-tolerant Worm [Paralvinella hessleri]

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Baker's Worm [Paralvinella bakeri]

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Taxonomy