Many halophiles were considered to be extremophiles due to their inborn industrial potentials and tolerance to hostile environmental conditions. The isolated halophilic bacteria described in the present study are not only grown at environmentally adverse conditions, also they can be able to produce bioactive molecules. Among the isolated strains, Oceanobacillus iheyensis strain JAS12 and Salinicoccus roseus strain JS20 are known for the unique biotechnological applications. The isolate Oceanobacillus sp. grows well at 35-55 degrees C (optimum 45 degrees C) and pH 6 to 12 (maximum growth at pH 8), interestingly the strain could hydrolyze casein, starch and gelatin. The G+C content was 40.2 mol % and the major fatty acids are iso-15:0: 30.52%, primary-C15: 0 (29.29 %), iso-14:0 (16.15%) anteiso-C17: 0 (4.03%). Another isolate was Salinicoccus sp. JS20 The DNA G+C content was 50.4 mol % and the major fatty acids are anteiso-C15: 0 (26.23%), iso15:0, (17.62%)Y, 16:0 (11.5%), anteiso-C17: 0 (7.7 %), iso- C16: 0 (10.20 %), iso-17:0: (5.43%) and iso-C14: 0 (3.97 %). These isolates are also producers of many extracellular enzymes such as protease, amylase, inulinases, gelatinase and beta-fructofurinosidase above the optimal conditions. Oceanobacillus sp. JAS12 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity is 99% similar to the reported genera. Salinicoccus sp. JS20 indicated 96% 16S rRNA sequence similarity with near species Salinicoccus genus, thus, they were found to be novel concerning to their genetic makeup and biochemical features.Peer reviewe
