Giant Tube Worm

About the Giant Tube Worm

They have no mouth, stomach, eyes, or digestive system - they survive entirely through symbiotic bacteria that convert hydrogen sulfide into energy. They were discovered in 1977 near the Galapagos Rift, revolutionizing our understanding of where life can exist. They grow up to 85 cm per year, among the fastest-growing marine invertebrates. They live in water temperatures from 2-80 degrees C. Their red plume is a gill-like organ that exchanges gases and chemicals. Over 100 species of tube worms exist. They can live 250+ years. They survive at pressures of 250 atmospheres. Their discovery expanded the search for extraterrestrial life.