The barnacles are a type of goose-neck barnacle that grow on a stalk.

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

NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery