DNA-16S rRNA hybridization studies of archaebacterial halophiles revealed nine major groups. High (greater than 45%) DNA-DNA homologies were found only within DNA-rRNA groups. The DNA-DNA homology between the type strains of Halobacterium halobium, Hb. salinarium and Hb. cutirubrum was greater than 70%. The implications for the taxonomy of the extreme halophiles are discussed.