Amongst twenty five proteolytic bacteria isolated from lake sediment samples of Antarctica, six isolates were selected based on SDS PAGE protein profile and zone of hydrolysis on casein agar at 10 degreesC. Most of the cultures were rod shaped and motile with two showing terminal bulging spores. Isolates grew between 5 degreesC to 37 degreesC and protease was induced in the late log, stationary or death phase. Isolate SPA-3 grew maximally at 10 degreesC and SPA-6 at 37 degreesC while others preferred 20 degreesC-30 degreesC for growth. The growth and protease production on casein, skimmed milk, bovine serum albumin and gelatin varied with the isolates. Acetate was the dominant volatile fatty acid (24-66% of total VFA) produced during hydrolysis of protein substrate. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.