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Leptothrix  

What you should know:

Leptothrix is a Gram - negative sheathed bacterium that lives in aquatic habitats. Its sheath is encrusted in iron oxides and manganese oxides which it deposits to protect itself against predators. Interestingly, Leptothrix is a respiratory organotroph and not a lithotroph. The sheath also facilitates nutrient uptake in nutrient-poor water.

Classification: 

Domain Bacteria

    Phylum Proteobacteria  

        Class β - Proteobacteria 

Bergey's Manual Volume 2: The Proteobacteria

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