Giant Hydrothermal Vent Mussel [Gigantidas gladius]
Description
The Giant Hydrothermal Vent Mussel, or Gigantidas gladius, is a species of deep-sea mussel, a marine bivalve mollusk in the family Mytilidae. This species is only known from hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean, specifically the Lau and North Fiji Basin. They thrive in the extreme conditions of hydrothermal vents, which are characterized by high pressure, low oxygen, and high temperatures. They have a symbiotic relationship with chemosynthetic bacteria that live in their gills and provide nutrients to the mussel. Gigantidas gladius is notable for its large size, with individuals often reaching over 30 cm in length.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Clams, Oysters, and Scallops
Bivalvia
|
| Order |
Mussels
Mytilida
|
| Family |
Deep-sea Mussels
Bathymodiolinae
|
| Genus |
Gigantidas
Gigantidas
|