Bathymodiolus heckerae is a species of deep-sea mussel in the family Mytilidae, commonly found in cold seep ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic margin. This species harbors symbiotic bacteria in its gills, which enable it to thrive in extreme environments by oxidizing methane or hydrogen sulfide to produce organic compounds. Bathymodiolus heckerae plays a vital role in deep-sea ecosystems by contributing to nutrient cycling and supporting diverse microbial and faunal communities.