Similarities and differences among AEB cold-seep site habitats.

A. Mussel bed (Bathymodiolus brooksi) from Atwater Valley at 2200m depth in the Gulf of Mexico, B. Mussel bed (Bathymodiolus childressi) on the El Pilar area, Barbados prism (1300m) (©Ifremer, Diapisub 1992), C. Mussels and tubeworms along with Alvinocaris muricola from Atwater Valley at 2200m depth in the Gulf of Mexico. (A. & C.: © MMS-NOAA OER Chemosynthetic Ecosystems study). D. Bathymodiolus aff. boomerang bed on the Regab pockmark off Congo associated with other amphi-Atlantic species (Alvinocaris muricola, Chiridota aff. heheva), and the Siboglinidae Escarpia southwardae. E. Vesicomyidae Calyptogena valdiviae and microbial mats on the Guiness area off Gabon (D. & E. ©Ifremer, Biozaire 2001). F. Vesicomyidae Calyptogena aff. kaikoi aggregate and sponges Cladorhiza methanophila in the Barbados trench. (©Ifremer, Manon 1992).