The bacterium was first isolated from Yellowstone National Park.

The growth range for the organism is 35 to 80°C and pH 5.5-9.5, with optimal growth conditions at 65-70°C and pH 7.5.

[2] While originally thought to be non-sporeforming bacteria, it was later discovered that the organism produced spores that can survive heating at 115 °C for 80 min.

[3] The species was originally classified as Thermoanaerobium brockii, but further analysis put the bacteria into the genus Thermoanaerobacter.

Brock, a pioneer in the golden era of thermophily.