Domain Archaea
Methanococcales

The Methanococcales are round (coccus) shaped and extreme heat-loving Archaea.

They contain enzymes that withstand high temperatures and pressures.

The Methanococcales are strictly oxygen-intolerant and obtain energy by reducing CO2 with H2 to generate methane. They can also scavenge small organic molecules. They move with two bundles of flagella.

The first species of Methanococcales to be isolated came from a sediment sample collected from the sea floor. The sample was found at the base of a 8600-foot deep "white smoker" chimney located on the east Pacific Rise.