Growth and predation activity at deep-sea hydrothermal vents along the Galapagos Rift

Growth rates of unclassified mussels collected from hydrothermal vents on the Pacific Ocean (2500 m) are among the highest recorded for deep-sea species. Mature mussles have mean growth rates of about 1 cm yr super(-1) which are comparable to growth rates of shallow water mussels. Food concentrations, rather than low ambient temperature and high ambient pressure, appear to be the major limiting factor for growth. The vent decapod Bathograea thermydron is apparently responsible for damaging the mussel shells. Predation activity is intense on specimens below 2.0 cm in length. The authors suggest that the mussels obtain a refuge from predation by growing rapidly to a size larger athan 2.0 cm.