Thiomargarita magnifica: World's Biggest Bacterium

• 25 Jun 2022

Scientists have discovered the world's largest bacterium in a Caribbean mangrove swamp.

• The bacterium is named Thiomargarita magnifica, or “magnificent sulfur pearl”.
• Most bacteria are microscopic, but this one is so big it can be seen with the naked eye.
• These bacteria, on average, reach a length of a third of an inch (0.9 centimeters).
• T. magnifica is a chemosynthetic bacterium. It makes the sugars it needs to fuel itself by oxidising the sulphur compounds produced by the rotting organic matter in the sediments of the mangrove swamp. All it needs is something solid to hang on to.