Long-term culture system for deep-sea mussels Gigantidas childressi

The simulation of deep-sea conditions in laboratories is technically challenging but necessary for experiments that aim at a deeper understanding of physiological mechanisms or host-symbiont interactions of deep-sea organisms. In a proof-of-concept study, we designed a recirculating system for long-term culture (>2 yr) of deep-sea mussels Gigantidas childressi (previously Bathymodiolus childressi). Mussels were automatically (and safely) supplied with a maximum stable level of similar to 60 mu mol L-1 methane in seawater using a novel methane-air mixing system. Experimental animals also received daily doses of live microalgae. Condition indices of cultured G. childressi remained high over the years, and low shell growth rates could be detected, too, which is indicative of positive energy budgets. Using stable isotope data, we demonstrate that G. childressi in our culture system gained energy, both, from the digestion of methane-oxidizing endosymbionts and from digesting particulate food (microalgae). Limitations of the system, as well as opportunities for future experimental approaches involving deep-sea mussels, are discussed.