The barnacles are a type of goose-neck barnacle that grow on a stalk. The white fluff on the cirri is filaments of bacteria that grow in the passing vent water. The barnacles hold them out to improve growth then, apparently, withdraw to “lick their fingers”. Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, INDEX-SATAL 2010.
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Related Links
Okeanos Explorer: INDEX 2010 Exploration
Okeanos Explorer: INDEX 2010 Exploration - June 30 Log