Beard Worm [Oasisia alvinae]
Description
Oasisia alvinae, or commonly known as Beard Worm, is a species of tube worm that inhabits the deep sea. This species is found near hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. It is characterized by its red gill plumes, which contain chemosynthetic bacteria that convert hydrogen sulfide from the water into usable nutrients. The worm has no digestive system, instead, it relies entirely on these bacteria for its nutrition.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Canalipalpata
Canalipalpata
|
| Family |
Terebellids
Terebellidae
|
| Genus |
Tube Worms
Loimia
|