<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salinicola socius</Emphasis> gen. nov., sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium from a naphthalene-utilizing microbial association

A chemoorganotrophic, moderately halophilic bacterium (strain SMB35) has been isolated from a naphthalene-utilizing microbial community obtained from salt mines (Perm region of Russia). Strain SMB35 grows in a wide salinity range, 0.5 to 30% (wt/vol) NaCl. Cells are gram-negative rods motile by means of a single polar flagellum. The predominant fatty acids are 16:1ω7, 16:0, 18:1ω7, and 19 cy. The major lipoquinone is an unsaturated ubiquinone with nine isoprene units (Q₉). The DNA G+C content is 63.0 mol %. The 16S rDNA-based phylogenetic analysis has shown that strain SMB35 formed a separate clade in the cluster of the family Halomonadaceae. The 16S rDNA sequence similarity of the isolate to the members of the family is in the range from 90.6 to 95.1%. The phylogenetic and phenotypic differences from Halomonas elongata (the type species of the genus) and from other members of the family suggest that the isolate represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Salinicola socius gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SMB35^T(=VKM B-2397^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.     

Marinilabilia nitratireducens sp. nov., a lipolytic bacterium of the family Marinilabiliaceae isolated from marine solar saltern

A Gram-negative, rod shaped, motile bacterium, was isolated from a marine solar saltern sample collected from Kakinada, India. Strain AK2^T was determined to be positive for nitrate reduction, catalase, Ala-Phe-Pro-arylamidase, β-galactosidase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, β-glucosidase, β-xylosidase, α-glucosidase, α-galactosidase and phosphatase activities, hydrolysis of aesculin, Tween 20/40/60/80 and urea. It was determined to be negative for oxidase, lysine decarboxylase and ornithine decarboxylase activities and could not hydrolyze agar, casein, gelatin and starch. The predominant fatty acids were identified as iso-C_15:0 (28.2 %), anteiso-C_15:0 (23.2 %), iso-C_13:0 (19.9 %) and iso-C_15:0 3-OH (13.9 %). Strain AK2^T was found to contain menaquinone with seven isoprene units (MK-7) as the sole respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid and three unidentified lipids as polar lipids. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated the strain AK2^T as a member of the genus Marinilabilia and is closely related to Marinilabilia salmonicolor with pair-wise sequence similarity of 98.2 %. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene revealed that the strain AK2^T clustered with M. salmonicolor. However, DNA–DNA hybridization with M. salmonicolor JCM 21150^T showed a relatedness of 48 ± 0.5 % with respect to strain AK2^T. The DNA G+C content of the strain was determined to be 40.2 mol%. Based on the phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic inference, it is proposed that the strain AK2^T represents a novel species of the genus Marinilabilia, for which the name Marinilabilia nitratireducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of M. nitratireducens sp. nov. is AK2^T (= MTCC 11402^T = JCM 17679^T).     

Natroniella acetigena gen. nov. sp. nov., an Extremely Haloalkaliphilic,Homoacetic Bacterium: A New Member of Haloanaerobiales

A new extremely haloalkaliphilic, chemoorganotrophic, homoacetogenic bacterium strain Z-7937^T(T-type strain) was isolated from the bottom mud of the soda-depositing Lake Magadi, Kenya. It is an obligately anaerobic, motile, Gram-negative, spore-forming rod growing in the pH range pH 8.1 to 10.7 and optimally in the range pH 9.7 to 10.0 under conditions of high alkalinity caused by saturation with trona. It has an obligate requirement for sodium carbonate and chloride ions. The optimum salt concentration for growth is in the range 12–15% wt/vol, and growth occurs within the range from 10% to 26%. Strain Z-7937^T is a mesophile with an optimal temperature for growth of 37°C, and a maximum of 42°C. The G + C content of strain Z-7937^T is 31.9 mol%. A limited number of compounds are utilized, including lactate, ethanol, pyruvate, glutamate, and propanol. Acetate is the main end product. 16S rDNA sequence analysis shows strain Z-7937^T to be a member of the order Haloanaerobiales and to represent a new branch within the family Halobacteroidaceae. On the basis of its novel physiology and phylogenetic position, we propose strain Z-7937 as a new species of a new genus, Natroniella acetigena gen. nov. sp. nov. The type strain is Z-7937^T (= DSM 9952).     

Natronogracilivirga saccharolytica gen. nov., sp. nov. and Cyclonatronum proteinivorum gen. nov., sp. nov., haloalkaliphilic organotrophic bacteroidetes from hypersaline soda lakes forming a new family Cyclonatronaceae fam. nov. in the order Balneolales

Two heterotrophic bacteroidetes strains were isolated as satellites from autotrophic enrichments inoculated with samples from hypersaline soda lakes in southwestern Siberia. Strain Z-1702^T is an obligate anaerobic fermentative saccharolytic bacterium from an iron-reducing enrichment culture, while Ca. Cyclonatronum proteinivorum Omega^T is an obligate aerobic proteolytic microorganism from a cyanobacterial enrichment. Cells of isolated bacteria are characterized by highly variable morphology. Both strains are chloride-independent moderate salt-tolerant obligate alkaliphiles and mesophiles. Strain Z-1702^T ferments glucose, maltose, fructose, mannose, sorbose, galactose, cellobiose, N-acetyl-glucosamine and alpha-glucans, including starch, glycogen, dextrin, and pullulan. Strain Omega^T is strictly proteolytic utilizing a range of proteins and peptones. The main polar lipid fatty acid in both strains is iso-C_15:0, while other major components are various C₁₆ and C₁₇ isomers. According to pairwise sequence alignments using BLAST Gracilimonas was the nearest cultured relative to both strains (<90% of 16S rRNA gene sequence identity). Phylogenetic analysis placed strain Z-1702^T and strain Omega^T as two different genera in a deep-branching clade of the new family level within the order Balneolales with genus. Based on physiological characteristics and phylogenetic position of strain Z-1702^T it was proposed to represent a novel genus and species Natronogracilivirga saccharolityca gen. nov., sp. nov. (= DSMZ 109061^T =JCM 32930^T =VKM B 3262^T). Furthermore, phylogenetic and phenotypic parameters of N. saccharolityca and C. proteinivorum gen. nov., sp. nov., strain Omega^T (=JCM 31662^T, =UNIQEM U979^T), make it possible to include them into a new family with a proposed designation Cyclonatronaceae fam. nov..     

Halorubrum salinum sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern

The halophilic archaeal strain GX71^T was isolated from the Gangxi marine solar saltern near the Weihai city of Shandong Province, China. Cells of the strain were pleomorphic and lysed in distilled water, stained Gram-negative and formed red-pigmented colonies. Strain GX71^T was able to grow at 25–45 °C (optimum 30 °C), in the presence of 1.7–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.6 M NaCl), with 0.005–0.7 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.05 M MgCl₂) and at pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum pH 7.0–7.5). Cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was 10 % (w/v). The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, one major glycolipid chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-DGD-3) and an unidentified lipid was also detected. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain GX71^T showed 94.0–97.0 % similarity to members of the genus Halorubrum of the family Halobacteriaceae. The rpoB′ gene sequence of strain GX71^T was 87.3–93.4 % similarity to current members of the genus Halorubrum. The DNA G+C content of GX71^T was 67.1 mol%. Strain GX71^T showed low DNA–DNA relatedness with Halorubrum lipolyticum CGMCC 1.5332^T, Halorubrum saccharovorum CGMCC 1.2147^T, Halorubrum kocurii CGMCC 1.7018^T and Halorubrum arcis CGMCC 1.5343^T, the most closely related members of the genus Halorubrum. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain GX71^T represents a novel species of the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Halorubrum salinum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GX71^T (= CGMCC 1.10458^T = JCM 17093^T).     

Marinifilum flexuosum sp. nov., a new Bacteroidetes isolated from coastal Mediterranean Sea water and emended description of the genus Marinifilum Na et al., 2009

A facultatively anaerobe, moderately halophilic, Gram-negative, filamentous, non motile and unpigmented bacterium, designated M30^T, was isolated from coastal Mediterranean Sea water in Valencia, Spain. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequences placed this strain in the phylum “Bacteroidetes” with Marinifilum fragile JC2469^T as its closest relative with 97% sequence similarity. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between both strains were far below the 95% threshold value for species delineation (about 89% using BLAST and about 90% using MUMmer). A comprehensive polyphasic study, including morphological, biochemical, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, confirmed the independent species status of strain M30^T within the genus Marinifilum, for which the name Marinifilum flexuosum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marinifilum flexuosum is M30^T (=CECT 7448^T = DSM 21950^T).     

Salinicola zeshunii sp. nov., a Moderately Halophilic Bacterium Isolated from Soil of a Chicken Farm

The taxonomic status of a moderately halophilic bacterium, strain N4^T, isolated from soil of a chicken farm in China was determined. It was Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, motile, and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that this strain belonged to the genus Salinicola, as it showed the highest sequence similarities to Salinicola salaries M27^T (98.3 %), Salinicola socius SMB35^T (98.1 %), and Salinicola halophilus CG4.1^T (98.1 %). The major cellular fatty acids were C_16:0 (25.6 %), C_18:1ω7c (35.0 %), and C_19:0 cyclo ω8c (11.9 %), which are properties shared by members of the genus Salinicola. The DNA G+C content of strain N4^T was 69.1 mol %. The level of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain N4^T and the other three type strains of the genus of Salinicola salaries M27^T, Salinicola socius SMB35^T, and Salinicola halophilus CG4.1^T were 34.3, 28.7, and 26.9 %, respectively. Based on the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, DNA–DNA relatedness, and phylogenetic analysis, strain N4^T should be classified as a novel species of the genus Salinicola, for which the name Salinicola zeshunii sp. nov. is proposed, with strain N4^T (=KACC 16602^T = CCTCC AB 2012912^T) as the type strain.     

Larsenia salina gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Halomonadaceae based on multilocus sequence analysis

Two Gram-staining-negative, moderately halophilic bacteria, strains M1-18^T and L1-16, were isolated from a saltern located in Huelva (Spain). They were motile, strictly aerobic rods, growing in the presence of 3–25% (w/v) NaCl (optimal growth at 7.5–10% [w/v] NaCl), between pH 4.0 and 9.0 (optimal at pH 6.0–7.0) and at temperatures between 15 and 40 °C (optimal at 37 °C). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison showed that both strains showed the higher similarity values with Chromohalobacter israelensis ATCC 43985^T (95.2–94.8%) and Chromohalobacter salexigens DSM 3043^T (95.0–94.9%), and similarity values lower than 94.6% with other species of the genera Chromohalobacter, Kushneria, Cobetia or Halomonas. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on the partial sequences of atpA, rpoD and secA housekeeping genes indicated that the new isolates formed an independent and monophyletic branch that was related to the peripheral genera of the family Halomonadaceae, Halotalea, Carnimonas and Zymobacter, supporting their placement as a new genus of the Halomonadaceae. The DNA–DNA hybridization between both strains was 82%, whereas the values between strain M1-18^T and the most closely related species of Chromohalobacter and Kushneria were equal or lower to 48%. The major cellular fatty acids were C_18:1ω7c/C_18:1ω6c, C_16:0, and C_16:1ω7c/C_16:1ω6c, a profile that differentiate this new taxon from species of the related genera. We propose the placement of both strains as a novel genus and species, within the family Halomonadaceae, with the name Larsenia salina gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is M1-18^T (= CCM 8464 = CECT 8192^T = IBRC-M 10767^T = LMG 27461^T).     

Marinobacter persicus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium from a saline lake in Iran

A Gram-negative, non-endospore-forming, rod shaped, strictly aerobic, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain M9B^T, was isolated from the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Cells of strain M9B^T were found to be motile and produce colonies with an orange-yellow pigment. Growth was determined to occur between 5 and 20 % (w/v) NaCl and the isolate grew optimally at 7.5–10 % (v/w) NaCl. The optimum pH and temperature for growth of the strain were determined to be pH 7.0 and 35 °C, respectively, while it was able to grow over pH and temperature ranges of 6–8 and 25–45 °C, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain M9B^T is a member of the genus Marinobacter. The closest relative to this strain was found to be Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus MBIC 1303^T with a similarity level of 97.7 %. DNA–DNA hybridization between the novel isolate and this phylogenetically related species was 13 ± 2 %. The major cellular fatty acids of the isolate were identified as C_16:0, C_19:1 ω6c, C_18:1 ω9c and C_16:1 ω9c. The polar lipid pattern of strain M9B^T was determined to consist of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine and three phospholipids. Ubiquinone 9 (Q-9) was the only lipoquinone detected. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was determined to be 58.6 mol%. Phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness data suggest that this strain represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter persicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marinobacter persicus is strain M9B^T (=IBRC-M 10445^T = CCM 7970^T = CECT 7991^T = KCTC 23561^T).     

Halorussus rarus gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Halobacteriaceae isolated from a marine solar saltern

Two halophilic archaeal strains TBN4^T and TBN5 were isolated from Taibei marine solar saltern in Jiangsu, China. Both strains showed light red-pigmented colonies and their cells were rod, motile and Gram-stain-negative. They were able to grow at 25–50°C (optimum 37°C), at 1.4–4.3 M NaCl (optimum 2.1 M NaCl), at 0–1.0 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.005 M MgCl₂) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0). Their cells lyse in distilled water and minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis is 8% (w/v). The major polar lipids of the two strains were PG (phosphatidylglycerol), PGP-Me (phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester), PGS (phosphatidylglycerol sulfate) and five glycolipids chromatographically identical to S-TGD-1 (sulfated galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether), S-DGD-1 (sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether), TGD-1 (galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether), DGD-1 (mannosyl glucosyl diether) and DGD-2 (an unknown diglycosyl diether). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TBN4^T and strain TBN5 formed a distinct clade with genus Haladaptatus (showing 90.0–90.9% 16S rRNA gene similarities). The DNA G + C content of strain TBN4^T and strain TBN5 are 66.1 and 65.4 mol%, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain TBN4^T and strain TBN5 was 94.3%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain TBN4^T and strain TBN5 represent a novel species in a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, for which the name Halorussus rarus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TBN4^T (=CGMCC 1.10122^T = JCM 16429^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.     

Natronomonas gomsonensis sp. nov., isolated from a solar saltern

A halophilic archaeal strain, SA3^T, was isolated from sediment of a solar saltern in Gomso Bay, Republic of Korea. Cells of strain SA3^T were observed to be coccoid-shaped, to lyse in distilled water, Gram stain-negative and to form red-pigmented colonies. Strain SA3^T was found to require at least 18 % (w/v) NaCl for growth. Optimal growth was observed at 24 % (w/v) NaCl and 6 % (w/v) MgCl₂. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were determined to be pH 7.0 and 40 °C, respectively, while the strain was found to grow within pH and temperature ranges of 5.5–8.0 and 20–45 °C, respectively. The polar lipids were determined to consist of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, unidentified phosphoglycolipids and unidentified phospholipids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SA3^T was most closely related to the members of the genus Natronomonas, Natronomonas moolapensis JCM 14361^T (95.2 %) and Natronomonas pharaonis JCM 8858^T (95.1 %). The genomic DNA G+C content (61.8 mol%) determined for strain SA3^T was slightly lower than those of N. moolapensis JCM 14361^T (63.4 mol%) and N. pharaonis JCM 8858^T (64.3 mol%). DNA–DNA hybridization values between N. moolapensis JCM 14361^T and N. pharaonis JCM 8858^T and strain SA3^T were <20 %. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, we describe a new species of the genus Natronomonas, represented by strain SA3^T (=JCM 17867^T = KCTC 4088^T), for which we propose the name Natronomonas gomsonensis sp. nov.     

Defluviimonas denitrificans gen. nov., sp. nov., and Pararhodobacter aggregans gen. nov., sp. nov., non-phototrophic Rhodobacteraceae from the biofilter of a marine aquaculture

Three Gram-negative bacterial strains were isolated from the biofilter of a recirculating marine aquaculture. They were non-pigmented rods, mesophiles, moderately halophilic, and showed chemo-organoheterotrophic growth on various sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids, with oxygen as electron acceptor; strains D9-3^T and D11-58 were in addition able to denitrify. Phototrophic or fermentative growth could not be demonstrated. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences placed D9-3^T and D11-58, and D1-19^T on two distinct branches within the alpha-3 proteobacterial Rhodobacteraceae, affiliated with, but clearly separate from, the genera Rhodobacter, Rhodovulum, and Rhodobaca. Based on morphological, physiological, and 16S rRNA-based phylogenetic characteristics, the isolated strains are proposed as new species of two novel genera, Defluviimonas denitrificans gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain D9-3^T = DSM 18921^T = ATCC BAA-1447^T; additional strain D11-58 = DSM19039 = ATCC BAA-1448) and Pararhodobacter aggregans gen. nov., sp. nov (type strain D1-19^T = DSM 18938^T = ATCC BAA-1446^T).     

Halohasta litorea gen. nov. sp. nov., and Halohasta litchfieldiae sp. nov., isolated from the Daliang aquaculture farm, China and from Deep Lake, Antarctica, respectively

Two halophilic archaeal strains, R30^T and tADL^T, were isolated from an aquaculture farm in Dailing, China, and from Deep Lake, Antarctica, respectively. Both have rod-shaped cells that lyse in distilled water, stain Gram-negative and form red-pigmented colonies. They are neutrophilic, require >120?g/l NaCl and 48–67?g/l MgCl₂ for growth but differ in their optimum growth temperatures (30?°C, tADL^T vs. 40?°C, R30^T). The major polar lipids were typical for members of the Archaea but also included a major glycolipid chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-DGD-1). The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains are 97.4?% identical, show most similarity to genes of the family Halobacteriaceae, and cluster together as a distinct clade in phylogenetic tree reconstructions. The rpoB′ gene similarity between strains R30^T and tADL^T is 92.9?% and less to other halobacteria. Their DNA G?+?C contents are 62.4–62.9?mol?% but DNA–DNA hybridization gives a relatedness of only 44?%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, we describe two new species of a novel genus, represented by strain R30^T (=?CGMCC 1.10593^T?=?JCM 17270^T) and strain tADL^T (=?JCM 15066^T?=?DSMZ 22187^T) for which we propose the names Halohasta litorea gen. nov., sp. nov. and Halohasta litchfieldiae sp. nov., respectively.     

Perlabentimonas gracilis gen. nov., sp. nov., a gliding aerotolerant anaerobe of the order Bacteroidales,isolated from a terrestrial mud volcano

A novel anaerobic bacterium (strain M08_MB^T) was isolated from a terrestrial mud volcano (Taman Peninsula, Russia). Gram-stain-negative cells were straight and slender rods with gliding motility, occasionally forming long filaments. The isolate was mesophilic, slightly halo- and alkaliphilic chemoorganoheterotroph, growing on carbohydrates (starch, dextrin, pectin, glucose, fructose, mannose, maltose, trehalose, lactose, sucrose) and proteinaceous compounds (peptone, tryptone, gelatin, casein and albumin). Strain M08_MB^T tolerated 3% oxygen in the gas phase while catalase negative. The dominant cellular fatty acids of strain M08_MB^T were C_15:0, C_15:1 and C_13:0 acids. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain M08_MB^T belongs to the order Bacteroidales and only distantly related to other cultivated members of this order (85.12–90.01% 16S rRNA gene similarity). The genome of strain M08_MB^T had a size of 4.37 Mb with a DNA G + C content of 43.5 mol% (WGS). The genes involved in gliding motility, proteolysis, central carbon metabolism, and oxygen tolerance were listed in genome annotation. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain M08_MB^T represents a novel species of a novel genus within family Tenuifilaceae, with proposed name Perlabentimonas gracilis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is M08_ MB^T (=DSM 110720 ^T = VKM B-3471 ^T). This is the first representative of Bacteroidales isolated in pure culture from a mud volcano.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arhodomonas recens</Emphasis> sp. nov., a halophilic alkane-utilizing hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium from the brines of flotation enrichment of potassium minerals

A halophilic nonpigmented rod-shaped (0.8–1.0 × 2.0–2.5 μm), gram-negative bacterium with a single polar flagellum (strain RS91) was isolated from acidic brines of flotation enrichment of potassium minerals (Silvinit Co., Solikamsk, Russia). The strain grew in the media with 2 to 25% NaCl (optimum at 10–12%), 20–45°C (optimum at 37°C), and pH 5.5–8.5 (optimum 6.5–7.5). It was an aerobe or facultative anaerobe incapable of fermentation. The strain was characterized by the absence of growth on glucose, fructose, and citrate, extensive aerobic growth on n-hexadecane and in the mineral medium with H₂ + O₂ + CO₂ in the gas phase, anaerobic nitrate reduction with acetate or hydrogen (under H₂ + CO₂ + N₂), and variable fatty acid composition. The DNA G+C content was 68.2 mol %. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that while strain RS91 was most closely related to Arhodomonas aquaeolei HA-1^T (98.3%) and Nitrococcus mobilis (98.1%), it was only remotely related to the halophilic phototroph Halorhodospira halophila (90.6%). Based on the combination of its phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, the organism was classified as a new species of the genus Arhodomonas, family Ectothiorhodospiraceae with the proposed name Arhodomonas recens sp. nov. The type strain is RS91^T (= IEGM 796^T = VKPM B-11280^T).     

Cruoricaptor ignavus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from blood culture of a man with bacteraemia

A Gram-reaction-negative bacterium, strain IMMIB L-12475^T, was isolated from blood cultures of a human with septicaemia. The yellowish orange pigmented strain contained flexirubin pigment. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain IMMIB L-12475^T belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae, forming a distinct phyletic line that is distantly related (79.1–89.4% sequence similarity) to described genera of this family. Membership to the family was confirmed by a fatty acid profile consisting of branched-chain and 3-hydroxy fatty acids with major amounts of iso-C_17:0 3-OH and iso-C_15:0, by the presence of menaquinone MK-6 as the only respiratory quinone and a polyamine pattern that contained sym-homospermidine as major component. The phospholipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown phospholipid. The genomic DNA mol% G+C content was 45.6%. The distant phylogenetic position as compared to other representative of the family and the significant phenotypic properties such as pigment composition, morphology, and physiology support the proposal of a novel genus and species Cruoricaptor ignavus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is IMMIB L-12475^T (=DSM 25479^T = CCUG 62025^T).     

Halonatronomonas betaini gen. nov., sp. nov., a haloalkaliphilic isolate from soda lake capable of betaine degradation and proposal of Halarsenatibacteraceae fam. nov. and Halothermotrichaceae fam. nov. within the order Halanaerobiales

A search for the organisms responsible for anaerobic betaine degradation in soda lakes resulted in isolation of a novel bacterial strain, designated Z-7014^T. The cells were Gram-stain-negative, non-endospore-forming rods. Growth occurred at 8–52 °C (optimum 40–45 °C), pH 7.1–10.1 (optimum pH 8.1–8.8) and 1.0–3.5 M Na⁺ (optimum 1.8 M), i.e. it can be regarded as a haloalkaliphile. The strain utilized a limited range of substrates, mostly peptonaceous but not amino acids, and was able to degrade betaine. Growth on betaine occurred only in the presence of peptonaceous substances which could not be replaced by vitamins. The G + C content of the genomic DNA of strain Z-7014^T was 36.1 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids (>5% of the total) were C_16:0 DMA, C_{18: 0} DMA, C_16:1ω8, C_16:0, C_18:1 DMA, C_16:1 DMA, C_18:1ω9, and C_18:0. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain Z-7014^T formed a distinct evolutionary lineage in the order Halanaerobiales with the highest similarity to Halarsenitibacter silvermanii SLAS-1^T (83.6%), Halothermothrix orenii H168^T (85.6%), and Halocella cellulosilytica DSM 7362^T (85.6%). AAI and POCP values between strain Z-7014^T and type strains of the order Halanaerobiales were 51.7–57.8%, and 33.8–58.3%, respectively. Based on polyphasic results including phylogenomic data, the novel strain could be distinguished from other genera, which suggests that strain Z-7014^T represents a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Halonatronomonas betaini gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Z-7014^T (=KCTC 25237^T = VKM B-3506^T). On the basis of phylogenomic data, it is also proposed to evolve two novel families Halarsenitibacteraceae fam. nov. and Halothermotrichaceae fam. nov. within the current order Halanaerobiales.     

Bacillus hunanensis sp. nov., a slightly halophilic bacterium isolated from non-saline forest soil

A novel Gram-stain-positive, slightly halophilic, catalase- and oxidase-positive, endospore-forming, motile, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain JSM 081003^T, was isolated from non-saline forest soil in Hunan Province, China. Growth occurred with 0.5?C15% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2?C4%) at pH 6.5?C10.5 (optimum pH 7.5?C8.5) and at 5?C40°C (optimum 30°C). meso-Diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C14:0. Strain JSM 081003^T contained MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol as the major polar lipids. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain JSM 081003^T was 40.9 mol%. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain JSM 081003^T should be assigned to the genus Bacillus, and was related most closely to the type strains of Bacillus lehensis (sequence similarity 99.6%), Bacillus oshimensis (99.4%) and Bacillus patagoniensis (96.6%); lower than 96.0% sequence similarity was observed with other Bacillus species. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA?CDNA relatedness values, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supports the view that strain JSM 081003^T represents a new species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus hunanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 081003^T (= DSM 23008^T = KCTC 13711^T).