The family methanocaldococcaceae

Abstract

The family Methanocaldococcaceae consists of two genera: Methanocaldococcus (type genus) and Methanotorris. As of December 2013, these genera contained six and two species, respectively. This family of thermophilic and neutrophilic to slightly acidophilic methanogens belongs to the order Methanococcales. The members are coccoid in shape, are generally motile, and have a very short generation time ranging from 25 to 45 min under optimal conditions. Methanogenesis from H2/CO2 is the sole energy-generating process, and all species are capable of chemolithoautotrophic growth. Members of the Methanocaldococcaceae have been found associated with marine hydrothermal vent areas.