[Halophilic archaebacteria from the Kalamkass oilfield]

Two strains of halophilic archebacteria, growing in the range from 10 to 25% NaCl, were obtained from the brines of the Kalamkass (Mangyshlak) oilfield. Both strains are extremely halophilic archaebacteria according to their total phenotypic properties. Strain M-11 was identified as Haloferax mediterranei on the basis of the composition of polar lipids and DNA-DNA homology. The composition of polar lipids and 16S rRNA sequences of M-18 strain permitted to include it in Haloferax genus. This strain differs from the affirmed species of Haloferax genus--H. volcanii and H. mediterranei. However, the additional investigations are necessary for its relation to new species.