Description

Chemosynthetic habitats generated by different fluid flow rates, including transport of methane, as well as the sulphide resulting from anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM), are colonized by different fauna. Left: free-living, sulphur-oxidizing bacteria mats (e.g., Beggiatoa spp.) in sediments with highest fluxes. Centre: vesicomyid clams (e.g., Calyptogena spp.) in sediments with high-to-moderate fluxes. Right: solemyid clams (e.g., Acharax spp.) in sediments with low flux.