Aquifex

Aquifex is a genus of bacteria that thrive in extreme environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents and hot springs. These microorganisms are among the most heat-tolerant life forms, capable of surviving at temperatures exceeding 85°C (185°F). They are chemolithoautotrophs, meaning they obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules, like hydrogen or sulfur, and use carbon dioxide to produce their own organic compounds. Aquifex bacteria play a crucial role in deep-sea ecosystems and provide insights into early life on Earth, illustrating how life can exist in some of the planet’s most extreme conditions.