Common ridgeia [Ridgeia phaeophiale]
Description
Ridgeia phaeophiale, also known as the Common ridgeia, is a species of marine tube worm that inhabits deep sea hydrothermal vents. It has a mutualistic relationship with a chemosynthetic bacteria which it houses in a specialized organ in its body. This bacteria uses hydrogen sulfide and other chemicals from the vent fluids to produce organic compounds that serve as food for the worm. The worm's body is encased in a chitinous tube and it has a retractable plume of tentacles that it uses for gas exchange.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Canalipalpata
Canalipalpata
|
| Family |
Siboglinids
Siboglinidae
|
| Genus |
Ridgeia
Ridgeia
|