This bacterium occurs in very large numbers and gives certain regions of water deriving from the spring a very bright red colour. The colour comes from the rhodopsin pigment. Phase contrast microscopy.
This image is of a small sample from a region of water that had a bright red colour. The rod shaped bacteria are the Halobacterium, but other species are present. The small refractile globules are sulphur droplets. Phase contrast microscopy.
