An interesting relative of
Aquifex and
Hydrogenobacter is the organism
Thermocrinis. this organism is a hyperthermophilic (temperature optimum, 80°C) chemolithotroph capable of oxidizing either H
2, thiosulfate, or sulfur as electron donors, with O
2 as electron acceptor.
Thermocrinus ruber, the first identified species, grows in the outflow of certain hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, where it forms pink "streamers" consisting of filamentous form of the cells attached to siliceous sinter. For more information on on
Thermocrinus ruber,
click here.
Taken from the text Brock Biology of Microorganisms (10th ed.). Madigan, M.T., Martinko, J.M., and Parker, J. 2003. Prentice Hall. 442p.