Hesiocaeca methanicola

Hesiocaeca methanicola

Hesiocaeca methanicola, also known under the name Ice Worm, is a occurring on Methanhydratfeldern, polyextremophile type of polychaete ( Polychaeta ).

Description and life

The polychaete was discovered in 1997 by Charles R. Fisher at a research trip with a Johnson Sea Link submersible deep in 800 feet of water at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, 240 km south of New Orleans. H. methanicola covered here is the complete surface of the methane hydrate with a population density of about 2,500 specimens per square meter.

The flat body of H. methanicola is 2-4 cm long, pale pink colored and densely covered with bristles. The funnel-shaped mouth has a diameter of about 2 mm. In the habitat of H. methanicola prevail oxygen deficiency, low temperatures (7 ° C ) and extreme pressure conditions to which these deep-sea worm is obviously very well adapted. Is not yet clear is whether the worm feeds directly from methanophilen bacteria or a symbiotic community of life, similar to beard worms.

In experiments conducted by Fisher, the worm survived in an anoxic environment for up to 96 hours. Fisher was able to show in experiments that the larvae of the worm spread with the flow and keep them to search for a new living environment 20 days, they can survive without food.

Dissemination

H. methanicola has only been found in the Gulf of Mexico, due to the global spread of Methanhydratfeldern and its still sketchy research is the size of the distribution area yet to be clarified.