Oligobrachia information

Oligobrachia is a genus in the family Siboglinidae,^[1] commonly known as beard worms. These beard worms are typically found at spreading centers, hydrothermal vents, and undersea volcanoes.^[2] The siboglinidae are annelids which can be found buried in sediments. Beard worms do not necessarily exist at one specific part of the world's oceans, however, they are spread out all over the ocean floors as long as the surrounding environment is similar; these are known as metapopulations.^[3] Most commonly, these organisms are found at the bottom of the ocean floor, whether it be at a depth of roughly 25 meters or hundreds of meters.^[4] Oligobrachia can typically be found near hydrothermal vents and methane seeps. An important characteristic of this genus is that it lacks a mouth and gut. Therefore, it relies on symbiotic bacteria to provide the host organism with energy to survive. The majority of oligobrachia that have been observed have been found in the Arctic and other high-latitude areas of the world's oceans.^[5]