In a place where sunlight never penetrates, thousands of metres below the waves, a rich community bathes in a scalding cocktail of noxious chemicals.

Marine biologist, film maker and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Tierny Thys introduces Thermus thermophilus, a microbe adapted to the extreme temperatures and chemical conditions found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

This short video, which features footage by NEPTUNE Canada (courtesy of CSSF/ROPOS), NOAA and Florian Graner, is produced by Parafilms.