Southwest Indian Ocean tube worm [Escarpia southwardae]
Description
Escarpia southwardae, or the Southwest Indian Ocean tube worm, is a species of tube worm found in cold seep environments in the Southwest Indian Ocean. Like other species in its genus, it lives in a tubular structure and feeds through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. The worms are usually seen with their plume-like gills extended out of the tube in order to filter feed.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Canalipalpata
Canalipalpata
|
| Family |
Siboglinids
Siboglinidae
|
| Genus |
Escarpia
Escarpia
|