The Giant Tube Worm (Rifita pachyptia) is a marine invertebrate that lives on the floor of the Pacific Ocean near hydrothermal vents. These organisms can tolerate extremely high hydrogen sulfide levels. As they have no mouth and digestive tract, the Giant Tube Worm depends on bacteria that live inside them for their food. Their bright red plume is a specialized organ that is used to exchange compounds with the sea water. The outer tube is made from chitin, a tough substance that makes the exoskeleton of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.
The Giant Tube Worm has an overall length between 6.56’-9.84’ (2-3 m), diameter of 1.57”-1.97” (4-5 cm), and weight of .006-.09 lb (3-44 g). The typical lifespan of the Giant Tube Worm is between 100-300 years.
The Giant Tube Worm (Rifita pachyptia) is a marine invertebrate that lives on the floor of the Pacific Ocean near hydrothermal vents. These organisms can tolerate extremely high hydrogen sulfide levels. As they have no mouth and digestive tract, the Giant Tube Worm depends on bacteria that live inside them for their food. Their bright red plume is a specialized organ that is used to exchange compounds with the sea water. The outer tube is made from chitin, a tough substance that makes the exoskeleton of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.
The Giant Tube Worm has an overall length between 6.56’-9.84’ (2-3 m), diameter of 1.57”-1.97” (4-5 cm), and weight of .006-.09 lb (3-44 g). The typical lifespan of the Giant Tube Worm is between 100-300 years.