Vestimentiferan tubeworms are kept year-round at the Enoshima Aquarium and JAMSTEC. The tanks of
vestimentiferan tubeworms have controlled low dissolved oxygen concentrations and added Na2S and CO2 to keep the
animals in good condition. In addition, in order to observe vestimentiferan tubeworm behavior in its tube, vestimentiferan
tubeworms have been placed into transparent vinyl tubes. The larval development of the vestimentiferan species
Lamellibrachia satsuma was observed. Monospermy fertilization of oocytes by internal fertilization was observed.
Fertilized eggs developed into trochophores and settled on the bottom of culture vessels. Scanning electron microscopy
revealed a mouth in the trochophore stage after settlement. Bacteria were observed on the cilia of the mouth and in the guts
of trochophores. Trochophores may eat microorganisms such as bacteria. Larvae which did not attach to suitable substrata
swam for more than one month without any degeneration of the cilia ring. The larvae of L. satsuma were maintained in the
laboratory for 45 days. L. satsuma have been found at Kagoshima Bay, Nankai Trough, and Izu-Ogasawara Ridge. The fast
current speed of the Kuroshio (Black Current) and the length of the planktonic larval life of L. satsuma may have enabled
this species to distribute in the Kuroshio Subgyre area.
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