Halalkalicoccus paucihalophilus sp. nov., a halophilic archaeon from Lop Nur region in Xinjiang, northwest of China

Two extremely halophilic archaea, designated YIM 93701^T and YIM 93664, were isolated from Lop Nur region in Xinjiang Province, northwest of China. The cells of the two strains were observed to be cocci, non-motile and Gram-negative. The organisms were determined to be aerobic and required at least 6 % NaCl for growth (optimum 20–25 % and maximum 35 %). Growth was found to occur in the ranges of 16–50 °C (optimum 37 °C) and pH 6.0–8.5 (optimum 6.5–7.5). Cells did not lyse in distilled water. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains belongs to the genus Halalkalicoccus and possessed 99.3 and 99.5 % similarities with their closest phylogenetic relative Halalkalicoccus tibetensis JCM 11890^T. Major polar lipids of the two strains were determined to be phosphatidylglycerol(PG),phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), phosphatidylglycerol sulfate (PGS) and three unidentified glycolipids. The DNA G+C contents were determined to be 60.0–60.4 mol%. The DNA hybridization between the two strains was 92.0 %. In addition, the hybridizations of both strains to H. tibetensis were 49 and 52 %, respectively, and to Halalkalicoccus jeotali were 38 and 33 %, respectively. On the basis of physiological, biochemical tests and phylogenetic differentiations, strains YIM 93701^T and YIM 93664 were classified as the same species which represent a novel species in the genus Halalkalicoccus, for which the name Halalkalicoccus paucihalophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 93701^T (=JCM 17505^T = CCTCC 2012803^T).     

Halomonas qiaohouensis sp. nov., isolated from salt mine soil in southwest China

Two Gram-stain negative, moderately halophilic, aerobic, motile bacteria, designated strains YIM QH88^T and YIM QH103, were isolated from the Qiaohou salt mine in Yunnan, southwest China. Cells of the strains were observed to be rod-shaped and produce creamy-coloured colonies. Growth of the two strains was observed at 10–45 °C (optimum 25–37 °C), at pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum 7.0–8.0), and in the presence of 0.5–20 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2–6 %). The two strains were found to contain summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c/ω6c), C19:0 cyclo ω8c and C16:0 as the major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and unknown phospholipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strains YIM QH88^T and YIM QH103 were determined to be 64.6 and 64.2 mol%, respectively, and the predominant respiratory quinone detected was ubiquinone 9. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains YIM QH88^T and YIM QH103 formed a distinct lineage within the genus Halomonas and were most closely related to Halomonas pantelleriensis DSM 9661^T with 97.3 and 97.5 % of 16S rRNA sequence similarity respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness value for strains YIM QH88^T and YIM QH103 was 95.2 ± 0.8 %. The levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between each of these two strains and the type strains of phylogenetically closely related Halomonas species were clearly below 70 %. On the basis of their phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strains YIM QH88^T and YIM QH103 should be classified as a novel species of the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas qiaohouensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM QH88^T (=DSM 26770^T =CCTCC AB 2012965^T).     

Saccharomonospora oceani sp. nov. isolated from marine sediments in Little Andaman, India

Two actinomycete strains, designated YIM M11168^T and YIM M11177, were isolated from marine sediment samples from Little Andaman, Indian Ocean, and their taxonomic position was determined by a polyphasic approach. The two Gram-positive, aerobic strains were observed to produce branched substrate mycelium and aerial hyphae but did not fragment, and no diffusible pigment was produced on the media tested. At maturity, spores were formed singly or in pairs on aerial hyphae and substrate mycelium, and occasionally the single ones were borne on long sporophores. The optimum growth was determined to occur at 28 °C, 0–4 % (w/v) NaCl and pH 7.0–8.0. Whole-cell hydrolysates of both strains contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the diagnostic sugars were determined to be galactose, glucose and arabinose. Their predominant menaquinone was found to be MK-9(H₄). The polar lipids detected in the two strains were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unknown phosphoglycolipids. The major fatty acids (>10 %) identified were iso-C_16:0, iso-C_16:1 H, iso-C_16:0, C_17:1 ω6c for strain YIM M11168^T, iso-C_16:0 and Summed Feature 3 for strain YIM M11177. The G + C contents of the genomic DNAs of both strains were determined to be 71.4 %. DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness values (78.4 ± 3.7 %) of these two isolates supported the conclusion that they belong to the same species. Based on phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic and genotypic data, it is concluded that the two isolates belong to a novel species of the genus Saccharomonospora of the family Pseudonocardiaceae. The name Saccharomonospora oceani sp. nov. (Type strain YIM M11168^T = DSM 45700^T = JCM 18128^T) is proposed for the novel species.     

Virgibacillus albus sp. nov., a novel moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from Lop Nur salt lake in Xinjiang province, China

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated YIM 93624^T, was isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province of China and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain YIM 93624^T grew at 15–45 °C (optimum 25–30 °C), 1–17% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 5–10 %, w/v) and pH 4.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0). The predominant menaquinone was found to be MK-7. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C_15:0 and C_16:0. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, a glycolipid and two unidentified phospholipids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 37.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 93624^T was a member of the genus Virgibacillus and exhibited the highest similarity of 97.0 % to Virgibacillus koreensis KCTC 3823^T. However, the level of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain YIM 93624^T and V. koreensis KCTC 3823^T was 32.5 %. On the basis of phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic analysis data, the isolate is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Virgibacillus, for which the name Virgibacillus albus sp. nov., is proposed, with type strain of YIM 93624^T (=DSM 23711^T = JCM 17364^T).     

Lihuaxuella thermophila gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a geothermal soil sample in Tengchong, Yunnan, south-west China

A novel filamentous bacterium, designated YIM 77831^T, was isolated from a geothermal soil sample collected at Rehai National Park, Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. Growth occurred from 28 to 65 °C (optimum 50 °C), pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0). The strain formed branched substrate mycelia, endospores were produced on the substrate mycelium and aerial mycelium was not produced on any of the growth media tested. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM 77831^T was affiliated with the family Thermoactinomycetaceae. The stain YIM 77831^T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained glucose, galactose, mannose, ribose and rhamnose. The polar lipids were phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminophospholipid and four unknown phospholipids. The only menaquinone was MK-7. Major fatty acids were iso-C_15:0, anteiso-C_15:0 and anteiso-C_17:0. The G+C content was 55.6 mol%. On the basis of the morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics as well as genotypic data, strain YIM 77831^T represents a novel genus and species, Lihuaxuella thermophila gen. nov., sp. nov., in the family Thermoactinomycetaceae. The type strain is YIM 77831^T (CCTCC AA 2011024^T = JCM 18059^T).     

Haloarchaeobius litoreus sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern

Two extremely halophilic archaeal strains GX1^T and GX60 were isolated from the Gangxi marine solar saltern, China. Cells from the two strains were observed to be rod-shaped and stained Gram-negative, with red-pigmented colonies. Strains GX1^T and GX60 were found to be able to grow at 25–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 1.4–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.6 M), at pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum pH 7.0) and neither strain required Mg²⁺ for growth. The cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was found to be 8 % (w/v). The major polar lipids of the two strains were identified as phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and three glycolipids chromatographically identical to those of Haloarchaeobius iranensis IBRC-M 10013^T. 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that each strain had two dissimilar 16S rRNA genes and both strains were phylogenetically related to Hab. iranensis IBRC-M 10013^T (94.9–98.9 % nucleotide identity). The rpoB′ gene similarity between strains GX1^T and GX60, and between these strains and Hab. iranensis IBRC-M 10013^T were found to be 99.6, 96.0 and 95.8 %, respectively. The DNA G + C content of strain GX1^T and GX60 were determined to be 67.7 and 67.8 mol %, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization value of strains GX1^T and GX60 was 86 % and the two strains showed low DNA–DNA relatedness with Hab. iranensis IBRC-M 10013^T (38 and 32 %). It was concluded that strain GX1^T (= CGMCC 1.10390^T = JCM 17114^T) and strain GX60 (= CGMCC 1.10389 = JCM 17120) represent a new species of Haloarchaeobius, for which the name Haloarchaeobius litoreus sp. nov. is proposed.     

Halorubrum rubrum sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon from a Chinese salt lake

Two halophilic archaeal strains, YC87^T and YCA11, were isolated from Yuncheng salt lake in Shanxi, China. Cells of the two strains were observed to be pleomorphic rod-shaped, stained Gram-negative and produced red-pigmented colonies. Strain YC87^T was able to grow at 20–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 1.4–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.1 M NaCl), at 0.05–1.0 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.3 M MgCl₂) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0) while strain YCA11 was able to grow at 20–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 2.1–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.1 M NaCl), at 0.01–0.7 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.1 M MgCl₂) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.5). The cells of both isolates were observed to lyse in distilled water. The minimum NaCl concentrations that prevented cell lysis were determined to be 8 % (w/v) for strain YC87^T and 12 % (w/v) for strain YCA11. The major polar lipids of the two strains were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and one major glycolipid chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether; another major glycolipid and trace amounts of several unidentified lipids were also detected. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains were 99.8 % identical, showing 93.2–98.2 % similarity to members of the genus Halorubrum of the family Halobacteriaceae. The rpoB′ gene similarity between strains YC87^T and YCA11 was 99.3 % and showed 87.5–95.2 % similarity to the closest relative members of the genus Halorubrum. The DNA G+C content of strains YC87^T and YCA11 were determined to be 64.9 and 64.5 mol%, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain YC20^T and strain YC77 was 87 % and the two strains showed low DNA–DNA relatedness with Halorubrum cibi JCM 15757^T and Halorubrum aquaticum CGMCC 1.6377^T, the most related members of the genus Halorubrum. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strains YC87^T and YCA11 represent a novel species of the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Halorubrum rubrum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YC87^T (=CGMCC 1.12124^T = JCM 18365^T).     

Haloplanus litoreus sp. nov. and Haloplanus ruber sp. nov., from a marine solar saltern and an aquaculture farm,respectively

Two halophilic archaea, strains GX21^T and R35^T, were isolated from a marine solar saltern and an aquaculture farm in China, respectively. Cells of the two strains were observed to be pleomorphic, flat, to contain gas vesicles, stain Gram-negative and produce red-pigmented colonies. Strain GX21^T was found to be able to grow at 25–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 2.6–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.4 M NaCl), at 0.05–1.0 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.1 M MgCl₂) and at pH 6.0–8.5 (optimum pH 6.5) while strain R35^T was found to be able to grow at 25–45 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 2.1–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.1 M NaCl), at 0–0.7 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.03 M MgCl₂) and at pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum pH 6.5–7.0). The cells of both isolates were observed to lyse in distilled water. The minimum NaCl concentrations that prevented cell lysis were determined to be 15 % (w/v) for strain GX21^T and 12 % (w/v) for strain R35^T. The major polar lipids of the two strains were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, one major glycolipid and a minor lipid chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and mannosyl glucosyl diether, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strains GX21^T and R35^T show 97.1 % sequence similarity to each other and are closely related to Haloplanus aerogenes TBN37^T (96.8 and 95.8 %), Haloplanus vescus RO5-8^T (96.7 and 96.1 %), Haloplanus salinus YGH66^T (96.4 and 95.8 %) and Haloplanus natans JCM 14081^T (96.3 and 95.4 %). The rpoB′ gene similarity between strains GX21^T and R35^T is 90.5 % and show 88.5–90.8 % similarity to the Haloplanus species with validly published names. The DNA G+C content of strain GX21^T and R35^T were determined to be 65.8 and 66.0 mol%, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain GX21^T and strain R35^T, and the two strains with the Haloplanus species with validly published names, showed less than 50 % DNA–DNA relatedness. It was concluded that strain GX21^T (=CGMCC 1.10456^T = JCM 17092^T) and strain R35^T (=CGMCC 1.10594 ^T = JCM 17271^T) represent two new species of Haloplanus, for which the names Haloplanus litoreus sp. nov. and Haloplanus ruber sp. nov. are proposed.     

Halolamina rubra sp. nov., a haloarchaeon isolated from non-purified solar salt

Two Gram-stain negative, rod-shaped and motile extreme halophiles, designated CBA1107^T and CBA1108, were isolated from non-purified solar salt. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, strains CBA1107^T and CBA1108 were shown to belong to the genus Halolamina, with similarities for the 16S rRNA gene sequences between strains CBA1107^T and Halolamina pelagica TBN21^T , Halolamina salina WSY15-H3^T and Halolamina salifodinae WSY15-H1^T of 98.3, 97.6 and 97.3 %, respectively; the similarities for the rpoB′ gene sequences between the same strains were 96.0, 95.3 and 94.6 %, respectively. The colonies of both strains were observed to be red pigmented on growth medium. Strain CBA1107^T was observed to grow at 20–50 °C, in the presence of 15–30 % NaCl, at pH 6.0–9.0, and with 0.005–0.5 M Mg²⁺. The cells of both strains lysed in distilled water. The DNA–DNA hybridization experiments showed that strain CBA1107^T shared 97 % relatedness with CBA1108 and <50 % relatedness with H. pelagica JCM 16809^T, H. salina JCM 18549^T and H. salifodinae JCM 18548^T. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CBA1107^T was determined to be 65.1 mol%. The major polar lipids of the two strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and glycolipids including sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and mannosyl glucosyl diether. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic analyses, the strains are considered to represent a new taxon for which the name Halolamina rubra sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CBA1107^T (=CECT 8421^T =JCM 19436^T).     

Halomonas nanhaiensis sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from a sediment sample from the South China Sea

A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, slightly halophilic, yellow-pigmented, oxidase-negative, Voges–Proskauer positive, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated YIM M 13059^T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from the South China Sea at a depth of 310 m. Optimal growth was found to occur at 28–30 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 3–4 % (w/v) NaCl. Cells were observed to be rod-shaped and motile by peritrichous flagella. The polar lipids of strain YIM M 13059^T were found to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, a ninhydrin-positive phospholipid, one glycolipid and two unknown phospholipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was determined to be Q-9. The major fatty acids were identified as C_18:1 ω7c, C_16:1 ω6c/C_16:1 ω7c, C_16:0 and C_12:0 3-OH. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 54.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the isolate belongs to the genus Halomonas in the family Halomonadaceae. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain YIM M 13059 ^T and the type strains of members of the genus Halomonas were in the range 93.3–98.3 %. However, the levels of DNA–DNA relatedness values between YIM M 13059 and the type strains of the most closely related species, Halomonas zhangjiangensis, Halomonas variabilis, Halomonas neptunia, Halomonas boliviensis and Halomonas sulfadieris were 50.2 ± 0.68 %, 46.8 ± 1.9 %, 28.5 ± 0.74 %, 42.9 ± 0.55 % and 37.1 ± 0.68 %, respectively. Based on phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, the strain YIM M 13059^T is proposed to represent a novel member of the genus Halomonas, with the name Halomonas nanhaiensis sp. nov. The type strain is YIM M 13059^T (=JCM 18142^T =CCTCC AB 2012911^T).     

Roseomonas alkaliterrae sp. nov., isolated from an alkali geothermal soil sample in Tengchong,Yunnan, south-west China

An alkalitolerant, thermotolerant and Gram-stain negative bacterium, designated strain YIM 78007^T, was isolated from an alkaline geothermal soil sample from Hehua hot spring, Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. Cells of strain YIM 78007^T were observed to be aerobic and short rod-shaped. The colonies were observed to be orange-red, convex and circular. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis showed that strain YIM 78007^T clustered with members of the genus Roseomonas (with similarities from 97.2 to 92.2 %). Optimal growth of strain YIM 78007 occurs at 40–50 °C and pH 8.0–10.0. The predominant ubiquinone was identified as Q-10 and the major fatty acids were identified as C_18:1 ω7c and C_16:0. The polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, two unidentified aminolipids and one unknown phospholipid. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 63 mol %. The levels of DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness between strain YIM 78007^T and its closet neighbours (Roseomonas lacus JCM 13283^T and Roseomonas terrae JCM 14592^T) were well below the threshold required for the proposal of a novel species. The results of physiological and biochemical characteristics, the phylogenetic analysis, as well as low DNA–DNA hybridization values, allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain YIM 78007^T from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Therefore, strain YIM 78007^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Roseomonas, for which the name Roseomonas alkaliterrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 78007^T (=BCRC 80644^T = JCM 19656^T).     

Lysobacter thermophilus sp. nov., isolated from a geothermal soil sample in Tengchong, south-west China

A Gram-negative and aerobic bacterium, designated YIM 77875^T, was isolated from a geothermal soil sample collected at Rehai National Park, Tengchong, Yunnan Province, south-west China. Bacterial growth occurred from 37 to 65 °C (optimum 50 °C), pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and 0–1 % NaCl (w/v). Cells were rod-shaped and colonies were convex, circular, smooth, yellow and non-transparent. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain YIM 77875^T belongs to the genus Lysobacter. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values between strain YIM 77875^T and other species of the genus Lysobacter were all below 94.7 %. The polar lipids of strain YIM 77875^T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and five unknown phospholipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-8 and the G+C content was 68.8 mol%. Major fatty acids were iso-C_16:0, iso-C_15:0 and iso-C_11:0. On the basis of the morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as genotypic data, strain YIM 77875^T represents a novel species, Lysobacter thermophilus sp. nov., in the genus Lysobacter. The type strain is YIM 77875^T (CCTCC AB 2012064^T = KCTC 32020^T).     

Tenuibacillus halotolerans sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from a soil sample from a salt lake in Xinjiang, China and emended description of the genus Tenuibacillus

A Gram-positive, moderately halotolerant, rod-shaped bacterium, designated YIM 94025^T, was isolated from a soil sample from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China. Strain YIM 94025^T was observed to grow at 25–45 °C (optimum 37 °C), 0–22 % NaCl (optimum 2–10 %) and pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 8.0). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism belongs to the genus Tenuibacillus and exhibited sequence similarity of 98.0 % to the closest type strain, Tenuibacillus multivorans AS 1.3442^T. The predominant menaquinone was found to be MK-7; the cell-wall peptidoglycan diamino acid was meso-diaminopimelic acid; the polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified phospholipid and an unknown lipid; and the major fatty acids were found to contain iso-C_15:0, anteiso-C_15:0 and iso-C_16:0. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain YIM 94025^T are consistent with those of the genus Tenuibacillus. The level of DNA–DNA relatedness value between YIM 94025^T and T. multivorans AS 1.3442^T was 36.6 ± 4.5 %. The G+C content of the strain YIM 94025^T was determined to be 38.5 %. Based on the comparative analysis of physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic data, as well as DNA–DNA hybridization results, the isolate is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Tenuibacillus, for which the name Tenuibacillus halotolerans sp. nov., is proposed, with the type strain of YIM 94025^T (=CCTCC AB 2012860^T = KCTC 33046^T).     

Vulcaniibacterium tengchongense gen. nov., sp. nov. isolated from a geothermally heated soil sample, and reclassification of Lysobacter thermophilus Wei et al. 2012 as Vulcaniibacterium thermophilum comb. nov.

A thermotolerant Gram-staining negative and aerobic bacterium, designated strain YIM 77520^T, was isolated from a geothermally heated soil sample collected at Rehai National Park, Tengchong, Yunnan Province, South-West China. Cells of the strain were found to be rod-shaped and colonies were light beige and circular. The strain was found to grow in the presence of 0–2 % (w/v) total salts (optimum, 0 %), at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and 25–55 °C (optimum, 45 °C). The only quinone detected was Q-8 and the genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 66.9 mol%. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were identified as iso-C_16:0 and iso-C_15:0. The phospholipids were found to consist of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, five unknown phospholipids and three aminophospholipids. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain YIM 77520^T was found to form a cluster with Lysobacter thermophilus YIM 77875^T and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to L. thermophilus YIM 77875^T (96.0 %). These two strains formed a distinct lineage of the family ‘Xanthomonadaceae’. On the basis of the morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as genotypic data, a new genus, Vulcaniibacterium gen. nov. is proposed with Vulcaniibacterium tengchongense sp. nov. as the type species. The type strain of V. tengchongense sp. nov. is strain YIM 77520^T (=DSM 25623^T = CCTCC AB 2011152^T). Furthermore we propose that L. thermophilus Wei et al. 2012 is reclassified in the new genus as Vulcaniibacterium thermophilum comb. nov. (type strain YIM 77875^T = CCTCC AB 2012064^T = KCTC 32020^T) based on polyphasic data.     

Halobellus rufus sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from non-purified solar salt

A halophilic archaeon, designed strain CBA1103^T, was isolated from non-purified solar salt. The cells of strain CBA1103^T were observed to be Gram-stain negative and pleomorphic, and the colonies appear red. Strain CBA1103^T was observed to grow between 20 and 55 °C (optimum 37 °C), and in NaCl concentrations of 10–30 % (w/v) (optimum 15 %) with 0–0.5 M MgSO₄·7H₂O (optimum 0.1 M) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0). Additionally, the cells lyse in distilled water. The major polar lipids of strain CBA1103^T are phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and two glycolipids chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and manosyl glucosyl diether. Strain CBA1103^T is shown to belong to the Halobellus genus and exhibits similarity to related taxa; the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain CBA1103^T and Halobellus rarus 18362^T, Hbs. limi 16811^T, Hbs. litoreus JCM 17118^T, Hbs. inordinatus YC20^T, Hbs. clavatus TNN18^T and Hbs. salinus CSW2.24.4^T is 97.3, 96.5, 96.5, 94.5, 94.5 and 93.7 %, respectively. The RNA polymerase subunit B gene sequence of strain CBA1103^T shows 93.7 % similarity with the sequence of Hbs. litoreus JCM 17118^T; the similarity is lower with sequences from the type strains of other species of Halobellus. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CBA1103^T was determined to be 67.0 mol% a value which is in the range of the genomic DNA G+C content of members of the genus Halobellus (61.5–69.2 mol%). These results suggest that strain CBA1103^T should be considered to represent a new taxon for which the name Halobellus rufus sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CBA1103^T (=CECT 8423^T =JCM 19434^T).     

Haloplanus salinus sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon from a Chinese marine solar saltern

Halophilic archaeal strain YGH66^T was isolated from the Yinggehai marine solar saltern near the Sanya city of Hainan Province, China. Cells were pleomorphic, flat, stained Gram-negative, and produced pink-pigmented colonies. Strain YGH66^T was able to grow at 20–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 0.9–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.1 M NaCl), at 0.005–1.0 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.05 M MgCl₂), and at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0). The cells of strain YGH66^T were lysed in distilled water, and the minimum NaCl concentration that prevented cell lysis was 5 % (w/v). The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, one major glycolipid (GL1) chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and a minor unidentified lipid (GL2), respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain YGH66^T was closely related to Haloplanus natans JCM 14081^T, Haloplanus aerogenes TBN37^T, and Haloplanus vescus RO5-8^T with the similarities of 98.0, 97.6, and 96.9 %, respectively. The rpoB′ gene similarity between strain YGH66^T and the current three members of Haloplanus were 90.4–92.8 %. The DNA G+C content of strain YGH66^T was 67.2 mol %. The DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain YGH66^T and three members of Haloplanus, H. natans JCM 14081^T, H. aerogenes TBN37^T, H. vescus RO5-8^T were 50, 46 and 39 %, respectively. It was concluded that strain YGH66^T represents a novel species of the genus Haloplanus, for which the name Haloplanus salinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YGH66^T (=CGMCC 1.12127^T = JCM 18368^T).     

Microlunatus cavernae sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium isolated from Alu ancient cave, Yunnan, south-west China

A Gram-positive, coccoid, non-endospore-forming actinobacterium, designated YIM C01117^T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Alu ancient cave, Yunnan province, south-west China. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain YIM C01117^T was shown to belong to the genus Microlunatus, with highest sequence similarity of 97.4 % to Microlunatus soli DSM 21800^T. The whole genomic DNA relatedness as shown by the DNA–DNA hybridization study between YIM C01117^T and M. soli DSM 21800^T had a low value (47 ± 2 %). Strain YIM C01117^T was determined to contain LL-diaminopimelic acid with Gly, Glu and Ala amino acids (A3γ′ type) in the cell wall. Whole-cell hydrolysates were found to contain glucose, galactose, mannose and ribose. The major polar lipids were determined to be phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant menaquinone system present is MK-9(H₄), while the major fatty acids were identified to be anteiso-C_15:0 (24.1 %), iso-C_16:0 (22.3 %) and iso-C_15:0 (11.4 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 65.9 mol%. The chemotaxonomic and genotypic data support the affiliation of the strain YIM C01117^T to the genus Microlunatus. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allow strain YIM C01117^T to be differentiated phenotypically from recognized Microlunatus species. Strain YIM C01117^T is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Microlunatus, for which the name Microlunatus cavernae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM C01117^T (= DSM 26248^T = JCM 18536^T).     

Halobellus rarus sp. nov., a halophilic archaeon from an inland salt lake of China

Two halophilic archaeal strains, YC21^T and YC77, were isolated from an inland salt lake of China. Both have pleomorphic rod-shaped cells that lyse in distilled water, stain Gram-negative and form red-pigmented colonies. They are neutrophilic, require at least 2.1 M NaCl for growth under the optimum growth temperature of 37 °C. The major polar lipids of the two strains were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), phosphatidylglycerol sulfate (PGS), two major glycolipids (GL1 and GL2) chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-DGD-1) and mannosyl glucosyl diether (DGD-1), respectively. Trace amounts of two unidentified lipids (GL0-1 and GL0-2) were also detected. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains are 99.9 % identical, show 94.0–98.9 % similarity to the closest relative members of Halobellus of the family Halobacteriaceae. The rpoB′ gene similarity between strains YC21^T and YC77 is 99.8 % and show 90.3–95.3 % similarity to the closest relative members of Halobellus. The DNA G+C content of strains YC21^T and YC77 were 66.1 and 66.2 mol%, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain YC20^T and strain YC77 was 89 %, and the two strains showed low DNA–DNA relatedness with Halobellus limi TBN53^T, the most related member of Halobellus. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strains YC21^T and YC77 represent a novel species of the genus Halobellus, for which the name Halobellus rarus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YC21^T (=CGMCC 1.12121^T = JCM 18362^T).     

Physiological and genomic properties of Thermus tenuipuniceus sp. nov., a novel slight reddish color member isolated from a terrestrial geothermal spring

Two closely related, thermophilic bacteria, designated strains YIM 76954^T and YIM 76947, were isolated from the Rehai Geothermal Field, Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. Polyphasic approach and whole genome sequencing were used to determine the taxonomy status and genomic profiles of the novel strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two isolates were closely related to Thermus scotoductus SE-1^T (97.1% sequence similarity), and T. amyloliquefaciens YIM 77409^T (96.6%). The strains could be differentiated from most recognized Thermus species by their whitish to slight reddish colony color, distinct DNA fingerprinting profiles and low ANI values. Cells stained Gram-negative, rod-shaped of diameter 0.2–0.5 μm and length 1.5–5.0 μm. Growth occurred at 50–75 °C, pH 6.0–9.0 and in the presence of up to 1.0% (w/v) NaCl concentration. Thiosulfate was found to enhance cell growth, besides improving the intensity of its colony color. Oxygen, nitrate, sulfur, and Fe(III) could be used as terminal electron acceptors for growth. MK-8 was the major respiratory menaquinone. Major fatty acids were iso-C_17:0, iso-C_15:0, anteiso-C_17:0, and anteiso-C_15:0. The genome size was 2.26 Mbp with 65.5% average GC content. A total of 2374 genes was predicted, comprising 2322 protein-coding and 52 RNA genes. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence presented, it is proposed that strain YIM 76954^T represents a novel species of the genus Thermus, for which the name Thermus tenuipuniceus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 76954^T (=JCM 30350^T = KCTC 4677^T).