Deep-sea foraminifera under long time observation in the laboratory

Longterm culturing of benthic deep-sea foraminifera from between 1847 m and 2807 m water depth indicated a long survival between one and several years. Unfed culture survived for more than five years and reproduced less than fed cultures. However, the bioturbation in both cases was high and may be responsible for the major ventilation of the sediment.