Three Newly-Discovered Species of Deep Sea ‘Spiders’ Found to Farm Methane-Eating Bacteria
A recent discovery by a team led by Bianca Dal Bó from Occidental College in the US has unveiled three new species of sea spiders that engage in a unique symbiotic relationship with methane-eating bacteria. These creatures, although not actual spiders or arachnids, have adapted to life in the deep sea where sunlight does not penetrate beyond 1000 meters.
The newly identified sea spider species, all members of the genus Sericosura, were found exclusively at methane seeps off the coast of Southern California and Alaska. Remote-operated vehicle dives in 2021 and 2023 collected specimens from depths ranging from 397 meters to 2020 meters below sea level.
One of the most fascinating aspects of these sea spiders is their cultivation of methane-eating bacteria on their bodies. These bacteria convert methane and methanol into carbon and energy, providing a unique source of sustenance for the sea spiders. Lab experiments confirmed that the sea spiders consume these bacteria directly from their bodies, enabling them to thrive in their methane-rich environment.
Interestingly, other methane-seep animals have also formed symbiotic relationships with similar groups of bacteria, but the sea spiders appear to host all three families of methane- and methanol-oxidizing bacteria simultaneously. This finding sets them apart from other methane-seep dwellers.
Furthermore, the researchers observed that the bacterial ‘gardens’ on the sea spiders were functionally identical across different seep locations, suggesting a potential inheritance of the bacteria from one generation to the next. Male sea spiders were found carrying and brooding egg sacs filled with methane-loving bacteria, indicating a transference of the symbiotic relationship to their offspring.
This discovery sheds light on the diverse survival strategies employed by deep-sea creatures and underscores the intricate ecological relationships that exist even in the most extreme environments. The research, published in PNAS, provides valuable insights into the evolution and adaptation of marine organisms in methane-rich habitats.
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