Scaleworms

Scaleworms on Escargot vent

Scaleworms (Branchinotogluma tunnicliffae)

Scale WormScaleworms are flat-bodied, segmented Polychaetes that are very commonly observed roaming through tube worms and ciliate colonies on hydrothermal vents at Axial Seamount.  They are often bright fuscia in color, however they can also carry a fur-like coat of white filamentous bacteria.  When they molt, they have a lighter pink shade.  These worms are scavengers, and have also been observed to attack the Ridgeia tubeworms (see the video).  They are approximately 3 cm in length.

References

Marine Life Field Guide (Neptune Canada)