This is a top predator in the hydrothermal vent system feeding on amphipods

Shares a symbiotic relationship with chemosynthetic bacteria. The snail provides a home for the bacteria within their gills while the bacteria make food from nutrients released from hydrothermal vents. Crabs, fish, shrimp, and other snails prey on Hydrothermal Vent Snails. Alviniconcha larvae can swim long distances in search of new vents!

Deep Sea Spaghetti Worms can be found in the Pacific Ocean. They attach to rocks near hydrothermal vents and can grow to be 10 feet long (3 meters). Scientists are still unsure what Spaghetti Worms eat and know very little about their lives.

These shrimp host bacteria found near sulfide rich chimneys in their gills which they also eat. Vent Shrimp often gather in very large groups and can dominate hydrothermal vents. Although they lack eyes, Vent Shrimp have developed dorsal eye spots which may be used to sense thermal radiation.

Glass Sponge skeletons are made entirely of silica – making their bodies rigid. Although Glass Sponges can be found in oceans all over the world they are especially abundant in Antarctic seas. Sponges pass water through their bodies and feed on tiny particles. A Glass Sponge skeleton containing a pair of shrimp is often given as a wedding gift in Japan.

A top predator in the hydrothermal vent community. Eats almost anything including crabs, shrimp, and tubeworms.