Awnworm

Awnworm (Ventworm awn). Dwells in hot, mineral-rich water, where its plumes collect hydrogen sulfide and other minerals from the environment. Can survive near-boiling temperatures.

1. Segmented plumes Each upper body segment grows five blood-rich plumes which collect minerals and pump them to the worm's body. Bacteria feed on these minerals, producing energy for the worm. Each segment contains its own miniature heart.

2. Sticky shelter The worm grows from its holdfast, a chitinous shelter at its base. The entire awnworm can withdraw into this tiny space if threatened by temperature changes or attack.

3. Curious immortality The awnworm has no reproductive organs or cells. The worm appears to bud off its uppermost segments, like a stack of jellyfish. These segments find a new holdfast and grow a new awnworm. This strategy should produce genetically identical clones. It does not. Awnworms are genetically distinct. The source of this genetic difference is unknown.

4. A ventworm blight? Many of the scanned specimen's pores are choked by thick, waxy fatty acids. Origin unknown.

Assessment: monitor awnworms for clues to reproductive cycle and environmental threats.