Tipping Point, Tubeworms

Riftia pachyptila or tubeworms are commonly found in the intertidal and pelagic zones (1900-3600 meters). Tubeworms live on the ocean floor near hydrothermal vents that provide a natural ambient temperature in their environment. These tubeworms can grow to be 3 meters in length and their bodies can grow to 4cm in diameter. Although tubeworms do not have mouth, eyes, or a stomach, they feed through a large sack in its body called a trophosome, that contains billions of symbiotic bacteria that make food for the tubeworm.

Tipping Point, Tubeworms, 2022, plexiglass, wood base, 24 x 24 x 24", Original image courtesy of Schmidt Ocean Institute