Salinibacter ruber is most closely related to the genus Rhodothermus which is a thermophilic, slightly halophilic bacterium.

Though genetically it is considered to be closest to the Rhodothermus genus, it is most comparable to the family Halobacteriaceae, because of similarity in protein structure.

Salinibacter ruber was found in saltern crystallizer ponds in Alicante and Mallorca, Spain in 2002 by Antón et al.

In general, bacteria do not play a large role in microbial communities of hypersaline brines at or approaching NaCl saturation.

[2] Salinibacter ruber produces a pigment called bacterioruberin, which helps it to trap and use light for energy in the photosynthesis process.