Vulcan shrimp [Vulcanidas thermophilus]
Description
The Vulcan shrimp, or Vulcanidas thermophilus, is a deep-sea shrimp found exclusively in hydrothermal vent ecosystems. This species is characterized by its elongated body, powerful tail, and heat-resistant exoskeleton. The Vulcan shrimp is a thermophile, meaning that it thrives in extremely high temperatures, often near boiling point. They are known for their unique behavior of feeding on bacteria that live in the hot vent fluids.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Clams, Oysters, and Scallops
Bivalvia
|
| Order |
Mussels
Mytilida
|
| Family |
Deep-sea Mussels
Bathymodiolinae
|
| Genus |
Vulcanidas
Vulcanidas
|