Electrophoretic resolution of superoxide dismutase (SOD) from the highly UV-resistant bacteria, Deinococcus species revealed multiple forms of superoxide dismutases (SODs) in D. radiodurans, D. grandis, and D. proteolyticus, as judged from electrophoretic properties and metal cofactors. A single SOD occurred in both D. radiophilus and D. radiopugnans. Deinococcal SODs were either MnSOD, FeSOD or cambialistic Mn/FeSOD. The unique SOD profile of each mesophilic Deinococcus species, multiplicity and metal cofactors would be valuable in identifying Deinococcus species.