Sulphur-isotopic composition of the deep-sea mussel Bathymodiolus marisindicus from currently active hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean

Sulphur-isotopic composition of soft tissues from bathymodiolus marisindicus collected from hydrothermal vents in the indian ocean was reported. the [delta]³⁴s values of the soft tissues (+3[similar]+5‰ vs cañyon diablo troilite) were nearly identical to those from the associated hydrothermal fluid and chimney sulphides (+5 to +8‰), but were significantly different from that of the common seawater sulphate (+21‰), which suggested that the endosymbiotic bacteria used sulphide in the fluid as an energy source. transmission electron microscopic observation of the endosymbionts also suggested that the symbiont is a thioautotroph. bathymodiolus species, which depend on either sulphide or methane oxidation, or both, have a worldwide distribution. bathymodiolus marisindicus from the indian ocean has a close relationship with congeners in the pacific ocean as evidenced by form of symbiosis. biogeography and migration of the genus bathymodiolus based on the relevant data are briefly discussed.

Digital Object Identifier:10.1017/S0025315403007872h
Published with permission from the copyright holder. This is the institute's copy, as published in Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, Aug. 2003, Volume 83, Issue 4, Pages 841-848.
Publisher URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315403007872h
Copyright © 2003 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. All rights reserved.