The Alvinellidae are a family of small, deep-sea polychaeteworms endemic to hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean. Belonging to the order Terebellida, the family contains two genera, Alvinella and Paralvinella; the former genus contains two valid species and the latter seven. Members of the family are termed Alvinellids.
The family was first described in 1979 after discoveries made off the Galapagos by the crew of the DSVAlvin. The ship subsequently lent its name to the family and genera within it.
Members of the Alvinellidae are noted for their exceptional heat tolerance: one species, the Pompeii worm (Alvinella pompejana), is thought to be the most heat-tolerant complex organism on Earth. Unlike other (chemosynthetic) vent-dwelling worms, Alvinellid worms possess a digestive tract. However, they do rely on an episymbiotic relationship with thermophilicbacteria; hair_like growths of the bacteria living on the worm's back are thought to offer thermal protection to the worm.
Members of the Alvinellidae are noted for their exceptional heat tolerance: one species, the Pompeii worm (Alvinella pompejana), is thought to be the most heat-tolerant complex organism on Earth.
However, they do rely on an episymbiotic relationship with thermophilic bacteria; hair-like growths of the bacteria living on the worm's back are thought to offer thermal protection to the worm.
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