Biggest Known Bacteria

Thiomargarita namibiensis

Thiomargarita namibiensis is a very unique bacteria because not only does it live where most bacteria can not survive it is the largest bacteria ever found. It took the record of the largest bacteria from Epulopiscium fishelsoni by being one hundred times larger. These prokaryotic, spherical bacteria are about 0.75 millimeters in diameter, which allows it to be visible by the naked eye. It is generally found in chains of ten or more. It is also very easy to notice because it shines like a pearl. The pearl color gives it the name “Sulfur Pearl of Namibia”. The rest of its name comes from the fact that it eats sulfur and that it was found off of the coast of Namibia. The analogy is this:

1. Any normal bacterium is likened to a new-born mouse

2. The previous largest bacteria, Epulopiscium fishelsoni, is likened to a lion

3. The newly found Thiomargarita is likened to a BLUE WHALE!! (wow!)

Guyz, check out http://web.mst.edu/~microbio/BIO221_2005/T_namibiensis.htm or http://www.sciencenews.org/sn_arc99/4_17_99/fob5.htm if you wan more details.. :) i'm still trying to figure out which is the smallest bacteria.. there are studies suggesting nanobacteria but then there are also people refuting it..