mussels and worms

Mussels and tubeworms growing together at a seep site. At first glance, these communities look very similar to those found around hydrothermal vents. Once they were better studied, however, scientists realized that they were different in many ways. Image courtesy of Gulf of Mexico 2002, NOAA/OER.

Related Links

Gulf of Mexico

Gulf of Mexico: Mission Plan

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery