Distribution of mega fauna on sulfide edifices on the Eastern Lau Spreading Center and Valu Fa Ridge

► Two community types are present on sulfide edifices of the Lau Basin. ► The dominant edifice community type is an extension of the lava communities. ► Northern (but not southern) edifices and lavas had similar fluid chemistry. ► Faunal abiotic niches are much narrower on edifices than on lavas. ► Biotic interactions are very pronounced in structuring communities on edifices.