Video shows strange animals around hydrothermal vent
20 Sep
The Galapagos Islands have plenty of claims to fame – thanks largely to a certain naturalist (and his finches) as well as some of the earth’s most unusual animals. But look a little ‘deeper’ and more amazing stuff awaits. Earlier this year, a team of scientists set out to explore the deep-sea habitats and marine life around the famed volcanic islands … One of their discoveries was the amazing “hydrothermal vent community” in this video (released last month).
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are pretty much as intriguing and mysterious as their name suggests. First discovered less than 4 decades ago, these strange underwater ‘chimneys’ spew out superheated water and (sometimes toxic) minerals – but despite their rather hostile nature, they support a great variety of exotic organisms. Huge clams, strange tube worms, crabs, limpets, anemones – all of these creatures defiantly thrive in one of the earth’s most extreme ecosystems. Definitely worth a watch!
I first saw these deep-sea creature in National Geographic. They’re amazing, I know, but I still get that eerie feel whenever I see these.
This is one awesome blog. Cool.