Chroococcidiopsis

Chroococcidiopsis is one of the most primitive cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) known. It is a photosynthetic, coccoidal bacteria and while there are a diversity of species and cultures within the genus, with a diversity of phenotypes, some members of the genus are known for their ability to survive harsh environmental conditions, including both high and low temperatures, ionizing radiation, and high salinity. Organisms that are capable of living in such harsh conditions are referred to as extremophiles.