Methanohalophilus mahii DSM 5219

Methanohalophilus mahii (strain ATCC 35705 / DSM 5219 / SLP) is a coccoid, halophilic, methanogen archaeon isolated from sediment from the Great Salt Lake. Surface colonies are cream to pale yellow and circular and often appear foamy due to trapped gases. M. mahii is found in anaerobic sediments with salinity levels at or above seawater concentration. It requires sodium chloride concentrations in the moderately halophilic range of 1.0 to 2.5 M for optimal growth and methanogenesis. Trimethylamine, dimethylamine, methylamine, and methanol serve as substrates for growth. The optimum temperature, pH and salinity for growth and methanogenesis are 37 degrees Celsius, pH 7.5 and 2.0 M NaCl, respectively. (Adapted from : http://ijs.sgmjournals.org/cgi/reprint/38/1/122.pdf). (HAMAP: METMS)