General Information: This organism was isolated from an active chimney in the North Fiji Basin of the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 3500 meters. This organism is an obligate anaerobic, hyperthermophilic archaeon. Growth occurs at a temperature of 67-103 degrees C with optimal growth at 103 degrees C at 200 atmospheres of pressure. Increased hydrostatic pressure has been found to extend the upper growth temperature and stimulate growth.