Thalassomonas

Thalassomonas is a genus of obligately anaerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacteria belonging to the family Halomonadaceae. These bacteria are halophilic, meaning they thrive in high-salt environments, and are typically found in marine sediments and hypersaline waters. The genus was first described in 1990, with Thalassomonas acidaminivorans as the type species.

Species within Thalassomonas are characterized by their ability to degrade amino acids and organic acids under anaerobic conditions. They play a role in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen in marine ecosystems. Their metabolic capabilities allow them to break down complex organic matter into simpler compounds.

Thalassomonas species are Gram-negative and possess a single polar flagellum for motility. They are mesophilic, with optimal growth temperatures generally ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Their strict anaerobic requirement means they cannot tolerate the presence of oxygen. Research into Thalassomonas continues to explore their ecological significance and potential biotechnological applications, particularly in the context of bioremediation and the study of microbial communities in extreme environments.