The research submersible vessel Alvin that we use to collect animals from hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean for studies of the biology of vent larval forms (see paper by Marsh et al. 2001 on larval dispersal at vent sites). Click here to view that article.

A short video showing the larval stage of Riftia pachyptila can be viewed in the "Film Library" section of this web site -- that video is entitled:

"Riftia Larvae Alive".

 

Donal Manahan shown holding an adult worm collected by Alvin. Eggs and sperm are removed from the adults to start cultures of embryos and larvae that were reared under high-pressure conditions (~ 250 atm. pressure).

A short video on the methods we used to culture vent larvae can be viewed in the "Film Library" section of this web site -- that video is:

"High Pressure Larval Culturing".