Paralvinella hessleri: The yellow worm that lives in acid and fights poison with poison

Photograph of the yellow tube worm against a black background.

QUICK FACTS

Name: Paralvinella hessleri

Where it lives: Pacific Ocean

What it eats: Bacteria and organic debris around hydrothermal vents

Deep-sea creatures are uniquely adapted to living in extreme environments, and the worm Paralvinella hessleri is no exception. In fact, it survives high levels of toxic chemicals like arsenic by creating its own poison.