Like its close hydrothermal cousins, it "eats" hydrogen sulfide via the bacteria it cohabits with. Unlike its relatives, the cold seep tubeworm has roots that it drives into the substrate, seeking essential resources.

It is also possible that it uses the roots to inject its sulfate excrements back into the sediment. This method would permit it to stimulate beneath it very "feet" the hydrogen sulfide production that nourishes it and so explain the creature's exceptional longevity.

This cold seep tubeworm lives in the area of hydrocarbon seeps, which are thought to be much more stable habitats in the long run than hydrothermal vents.