The Halomonas titanicae bacterium was found in "rusticles", the porous and delicate icicle-like structures that form on rusting iron.

Dr Avery said: "It could be that there are some new ecosystems living on the Titanic. We will understand better how these wrecks decay and how long we have to preserve records of them." The images have found evidence of the growth of rusticle, rust formation similar to an icicle or stalactite, on the bow's starboard side.

Dr. Robert Ballard, head of a research team currently photographing the sunken luxury liner, said yesterday the vessel's exquisite woodwork has all but disappeared….The ship, inside and out, is covered with stalactite-like icicles of rust or ''rusticles,'' he said.