Aliivibrio fischeri

Aliivibrio fischeri (formerly Vibrio fischeri) is a non-pathogenic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium found globally in marine environments. This bacterium grows most effectively in water with a salt concentration at around 20g/L, and at temperatures between 24 and 28°C. Free-living A. fischeri cells survive on decaying organic matter. It is heterotrophic, oxidase-positive, and motile by means of a tuft of polar flagella. A. fischeri is found predominantly in symbiosis with various marine animals, such as the Hawaiian bobtail squid. A. fischeri also has bioluminescent properties controlled by the lux operon. The bacterium is a key research organism for examination of bacterial-animal symbiosis, microbial bioluminescence, and quorum sensing. It is named after Bernhard Fischer, a German microbiologist.

Aliivibrio fischeri is in the family Vibrionaceae. This family of bacteria tend to have adaptable metabolisms that can adjust to diverse circumstances. This flexibility may contribute to A. fischeri's ability to survive both alone and in symbiotic relationships.

Ribosomal RNA comparison led to the reclassification of this species from the genus Vibrio to the newly created Aliivibrio in 2007. The change is recognized as a valid publication, and according to the List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature (LPSN), the correct name. However, the name change has not been universally adopted by most researchers, who still publish using the name Vibrio fischeri.