Thermoproteota

Thermoproteota are tiny, tiny living things called archaea. They are part of a big family called the domain Archaea. These little creatures live in very hot and special places.

Scientists first thought Thermoproteota needed something called sulfur to survive. But we now know they might be one of the most common archaea in the whole ocean!

Some Thermoproteota can even make a gas called methane. They can look like rods, round balls, long strings, or strange shapes. They do not have a thick outer layer like some other tiny creatures.

In 2005, scientists found a Thermoproteota that could live in warmer water. It was named Nitrosopumilus maritimus and was found in a marine aquarium tank. This little organism helps change ammonia into other useful materials in the ocean.