UVhoitoa

UVhoitoa is a genus of small, benthic cnidarian that was first described in 2017 from hydrothermal vent sites along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Members of the genus belong to the family Luciferalidae within the phylum Cnidaria. The genus name is derived from the Latin words “ultra” and “vita,” reflecting the organism’s adaptation to high‑temperature, low‑oxygen environments. Species of UVhoitoa are characterized by a cylindrical body 2–4 mm in length, a single opening for both feeding and respiration, and a distinctive array of nematocysts on the outer surface that are specialized for capturing microorganisms that thrive in vent plumes.

Morphological studies reveal that UVhoitoa exhibits a symbiotic relationship with sulfur‑oxidizing bacteria housed within its tissue. These bacteria provide the cnidarian with fixed carbon via chemosynthesis, allowing UVhoitoa to survive in habitats where sunlight is unavailable. The trophic strategy of UVhoitoa is considered an intermediate between typical suspension feeders and obligate chemosynthetic organisms.

Ecologically, UVhoitoa is a key component of the vent community, serving both as a primary producer through its bacterial symbionts and as a prey species for larger vent predators such as sea cucumbers and gastropods. Because of its sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and chemical composition of vent fluids, UVhoitoa is being studied as a potential bioindicator for monitoring changes in deep‑sea hydrothermal ecosystems.

Research on UVhoitoa has contributed to a better understanding of the evolution of symbiosis in extreme environments, and it has been used in comparative studies of cnidarian development and gene expression under high thermal stress conditions. The genus remains a subject of active research, with ongoing efforts to sequence its genome and to discover additional species within the group.