Six iconic animals from Alvin’s visits to seafloor vents: Alvin also found dense groves of six-foot-long red-and-white tubeworms (Riftia pachyptila) at Galápagos Rift vents, growing near vent fluid laden with toxic chemicals. With no mouth or digestive system, the worms provide a steady supply of chemicals to masses of bacteria living inside them. The bacteria use the chemicals for energy and nourish the worms. - Alvin's Animals