“Sporotan” a new fluorescent stain for identifying cryptic spores of Rhodobacter johrii

We propose a new fluorescent stain “sporotan” and staining protocol which aid in the identification of cryptic endospores which are otherwise mistaken as poly-β-hydroxyalkanoate granules. •We propose a new bacterial endospore specific fluorescent stain to identify spores produced by Rhodobacter johrii.•“Sporotan” chemically is 7,7-bis(n-hexylamino)-8,8-dicyanoquinodimethane•The staining protocol is very simple, easy, reliable, specific and reproducible.•Helps in the identification of spore producers among members of phyla other than of the phylum Firmicutes.