big mussel

Scientists discovered several communities of football-size mussels, Bathymodiolus brooksi, at Mississippi Canyon 853 during ALVIN dive 4178. This is the biggest B. brooksi specimen ever collected. Upon close inspection, you may be able to see stains from the oil that is sometimes found in the sediment around seeps. Image courtesy of Expedition to the Deep Slope.

Related Links

Expedition to the Deep Slope

Expedition to the Deep Slope: May 20 Log

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery