Complete genome sequence of carotenoid-producing Aestuariibaculum lutulentum L182T isolated from the tidal sediment

Aestuariibaculum lutulentum L182T (= KCTC 92530T = MCCC 1K08065T) was isolated from the tidal sediment collected in Beihai, People's Republic of China. The genome was sequenced and consisted of a single chromosome with the size of 3,782,725 bp and DNA G + C content of 35.1%. Genomic annotations demonstrated that it encoded 12 rRNA genes, 56 tRNA genes and 3210 ORFs. The percentages of ORFs assigned to CAZy, COG, and KEGG databases were 5.5, 86.2 and 45.5%, respectively. Comparative genomic analysis indicated that the pan- and core-genomes of the genus Aestuariibaculum consisted of 4826 and 2257 orthologous genes, respectively. Carbohydrate-active enzyme annotations of the genus Aestuariibaculum genomes revealed that they shared three polysaccharide lyase (PL) families including PL1, PL22 and PL42. Meanwhile, one carotenoid biosynthetic gene cluster related to biosynthesizing flexixanthin was found in the genus Aestuariibaculum. Furthermore, the core-genome of the genus Aestuariibaculum showed that this genus played a role in cleaving pectate, degrading ulvan, and biosynthesizing carotenoids. This study is a complete genomic report of the genus Aestuariibaculum and broadens understandings of its ecological roles and biotechnological applications.

Aestuariibaculum lutulentum sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from coastal sediment in Beihai

A Gram-stain negative, strictly aerobic, and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as strain L182^T, was isolated from coastal sediment in Beihai, Guangxi Province, PR China. Colonies of strain L182^T were yellow, 2 mm in diameter, round, opaque, smooth and convex after incubation on marine ager at 30 °C for 3 days. Cells were catalase-positive but oxidase-negative. Growth of strain L182^T was observed at 4-40 °C (optimum, 25 °C), pH 5.5-10.0 (optimum, pH 5.5-8.0) and with 0-6% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.5-4.0%). The G + C content based on the genome sequence was 36.0%. The only respiratory quinone was MK-6. The main polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminophospholipid, one unidentified glycolipids, four unidentified aminolipids and six unidentified lipids. The major fatty acids (> 10%) were iso-C_15:0, iso-C_15:1 G and iso-C_17:0 3-OH. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain L182^T and Aestuariibaculum suncheonense SC17^T was 98.2%, and the similarities with other type strains of the genus Aestuariibaculum were 96.1-97.2%. The average nucleotide identity and in silicon DNA-DNA hybridization values between the strain L182^T and its closely related Aestuariibaculum species were 80.8-85.2% and 22.0-29.5%. According to the above results, Aestuariibaculum lutulentum sp. nov. was proposed as a novel species. The type strain is L182^T (= MCCC 1K08065^T = KCTC 92530^T).

Snuella sedimenti sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment

A Gram stain-negative, aerobic, motile by gliding, rod-shaped bacterial strain CAU 1569T was isolated from marine sediment on Shido Island in Incheon. It grew at 20-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.0), 2-6% NaCl (w/v) (optimum, 2%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CAU 1569T formed a distinct lineage with only the type strain of Snuella. Strain CAU 1569T showed high similarity to S. lapsa KACC 14152T (95.8%), Mariniflexile gromovii KMM KCTC 12570T, Aestuariibaculum marinum KCTC 52521T (95.4%), A. suncheonense KACC 16186T (94.6%) and Yeosuana aromativorans KCCM 42019T (94.4%). The genome contained 57 contigs, 3,437 protein-coding gene, 3 rRNAs (5, 16, and 23S), 43 tRNAs, and with a 35.7 mol% G + C content. The DDH value between strain CAU 1569T and S. lapsa KACC 14152T was 39.4 ± 0.6%. The only isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, C15:1-iso G, and C17:0 iso 3-OH. Strain CAU 1569T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, aminoglycolipid, unidentified aminolipid, and three unidentified lipids. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, physiologic, and chemotaxonomic characterizations, strain CAU 1569T represents a novel Snuella species, which the name Snuella sedimenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type of strain is CAU 1569T (= KCTC 82409T = MCCC 1K05670T).

Flavobacterium solisilvae sp. nov. and Flavobacterium silvaticum sp. nov., isolated from forest soil

Two Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented and strictly aerobic bacteria, designated strains SE-s27^T and SE-s28^T, were isolated from forest soil. Both strains were non-motile rods that were catalase-positive and oxidase-negative and grew optimally at 25-30 °C, pH 8.0 and with 0 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain SE-s28^T produced flexirubin-type pigments, but strain SE-s27^T did not produce them. Both strains contained menaquinone-6 as the sole respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine as a major polar lipid. As the major cellular fatty acids (>10 %), SE-s27^T contained iso-C_15 : 1 and iso-C_15 : 1G, whereas SE-s28^T contained iso-C_15 : 0 and summed feature 3 comprising C_16 : 1ω7c and/or C_16 : 1ω6c and/or iso-C_15 : 0 2-OH. The DNA G+C contents of strains SE-s27^T and SE-s28^T were 33.1 and 44.3 mol%, respectively. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that SE-s27^T and SE-s28^T formed respective distinct phylogenetic lineages within the genus Flavobacterium. Strains SE-s27^T and SE-s28^T were most closely related to Flavobacterium macrobrachii an-8^T and Flavobacterium piscinae ICH-30^T with 98.0 and 94.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. In conclusion, strains SE-s27^T and SE-s28^T represent novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the names Flavobacterium solisilvae sp. nov. and Flavobacterium silvaticum sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains of F. solisilvae and F. silvaticum are SE-s27^T (=KACC 18802^T=JCM 31544^T) and SE-s28^T (=KACC 18803^T=JCM 31545^T), respectively.

Aestuariibaculum sediminum sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a tidal flat in Zhoushan

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated as strain TT11^T, was isolated from a sediment sample of a tidal flat connected in Zhoushan, China. Cells of strain TT11^T are spherical, halotolerant, catalase- and oxidase-positive, and produce carotenoid-like pigments. Colonies were 0.5-1.0 mm diameter, smooth, round, convex and orange-yellow after growth on marine agar at 30 °C for 24 h. Growth of the strain TT11^T was observed at 10-40 °C (optimum, 35 °C), at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum, pH 6.5), and in the presence of 0-8.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.5-1.0%). The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain TT11^T represents a member of the genus Aestuariibaculum and was closely related to Aestuariibaculum suncheonense SC17^T (97.2%) and Aestuariibaculum marinum IP7^T (96.8%). The G + C content of the genome was 34.6%. The only respiratory quinone was MK-6. The major fatty acids (> 10%) were iso-C_15:0, iso-C_15:1 G and iso-C_17:0 3-OH. The major polar lipids contained phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphoglycolipid, four unidentified aminolipids, four unidentified lipids and two unidentified glycolipids. On the basis of these genomic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics, we propose a novel species Aestuariibaculum sediminum sp. nov. with the type strain TT11^T (= KCTC 82195^T = MCCC 1K04734^T).

Tamlana haliotis sp. nov., isolated from the gut of the abalone Haliotis rubra

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, yellow-pigmented rod-shaped and alginate-degrading bacterium, designated B1N29^T, was isolated from the gut of the abalone Haliotis rubra obtained in Weihai, China. Strain B1N29^T was found to grow at 4-35 ℃ (optimum, 25 ℃), at pH 6.5-9.0 (optimum, 7.0-7.5) and in the presence of 0.5-9% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2%). Cells were positive for oxidase and catalase activity. The 16S rRNA-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that the nearest phylogenetic neighbors of strain B1N29^T were Tamlana carrageenivorans KCTC 62451^T (98.2%) and Tamlana agarivorans KCTC 22176^T (97.7%). Based on the phylogenomic analysis, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain B1N29^T and the neighbor strains were 79.2 and 79.0%, respectively; the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain B1N29^T and its two closest neighbors were 22.8 and 23.0%, respectively. Menaquinone-6 (MK-6) was detected as the sole respiratory quinone. The dominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C_15:0, iso-C_17:0 3-OH, anteiso-C_15:0 and iso-C_15:1 G. The polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, one aminophospholipid, seven aminolipids and five unidentified lipids. Based on the phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, strain B1N29^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Tamlana, for which the name Tamlana haliotis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B1N29^T (= KCTC 72683^T = MCCC 1H00394^T).

Variations of soil bacterial diversity and metabolic function with tidal flat elevation gradient in an artificial mangrove wetland

Understanding the sensitivity of soil bacteria to environmental fluctuations can enhance the management of microbial ecosystem services in artificial mangrove wetlands. In this study, the variation in bacterial diversity and metabolic functions in different compartments (bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, and rhizoplane) of the soil and mangrove plant along the tidal elevation gradient was studied in Xiatanwei (Xiamen China) mangrove wetland park, a Kandelia obovata-dominated artificial mangrove stand. With the increase of the tidal flat elevation, the soil pH, total organic matter, and soil moisture contents decreased significantly, while the soil electric conductivity and redox potential increased significantly. The bacterial diversity in the bulk soil and the rhizosphere soil both decreased with the elevation of tidal levels. The relative abundance of the dominant phyla in the bulk and rhizosphere soils decreased with the rise of the tidal flat level. A significant rhizosphere effect was observed in the roots of K. obovata that the rhizosphere soil had higher bacterial diversity and richness than that in the bulk soil nearby. The rhizosphere soil of K. obovata at the low-tidal flat was enriched with the genera Nitrospira and Planctomycetes, which are valuable for the mangrove ecosystem. The Chao1 estimator and Shannon index of the bacterial community in the rhizoplane of K. obovata were much lower than that in the rhizosphere and bulk soils. Results of Biolog-Eco assay show that the bacterial groups in low tidal flat bulk soil had the highest ability in utilizing the carbon sources, which was indicated by the high values of average well color development and the high McIntosh index, and the utilization ability of carbon source decreased with the increase of tidal flat levels. The variation of the soil humidity and Eh jointly shaped the diversity and metabolic function of soil bacterial communities along the tidal flat elevation gradient.

Marisediminitalea mangrovi gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from marine mangrove sediment, and reclassification of Aestuariibacter aggregatus as Marisediminitalea aggregata comb. nov

Strain GS-14^T was isolated from a mangrove sediment sample collected at Beilun Estuary National Nature Reserve, Guangxi Province, PR China. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and rod-shaped with a polar flagellum. Optimal growth occurred in the presence of 3-6 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 6-8 and at a temperature of 37 °C. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Ubiquinone 8 (Q-8) was the sole respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids (>10 % of the total fatty acids) were summed feature 3 (C_16 : 1ω7c and/or C_16 : 1ω6c) and C_16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 47.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain GS-14^T had the highest sequence similarity to Aestuariibacter aggregatus WH169^T (96.63 %), Aliiglaciecola coringensis AK49^T (96.56 %) and Alteromonas lipolytica JW12^T (96.22 %). In addition, the OrthoANIu value and dDDH values calculated from the genomes of strain GS-14^T and A. aggregatus WH169^T were 79.5 and 21.9 %, respectively. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic results, strain GS-14^T is considered to represent a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Marisediminitalea mangrovi gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marisediminitalea mangrovi is GS-14^T (=KCTC 72401^T=MCCC 1K03622^T). Because Aestuariibacter aggregatus WH169^T clustered with strain GS-14^T in the phylogenetic trees and was clearly separated from the two species within the genus Aestuariibacter, it is reclassified as a member of the genus Marisediminitalea as Marisediminitalea aggregata comb. nov. (type strain WH169^T=CGMCC 1.8995^T=LMG 25283^T). The type species of the genus Marisediminitalea is Marisediminitalea aggregata gen. nov., comb. nov.

Analysis of 1,000 Type-Strain Genomes Improves Taxonomic Classification of Bacteroidetes

Although considerable progress has been made in recent years regarding the classification of bacteria assigned to the phylum Bacteroidetes, there remains a need to further clarify taxonomic relationships within a diverse assemblage that includes organisms of clinical, piscicultural, and ecological importance. Bacteroidetes classification has proved to be difficult, not least when taxonomic decisions rested heavily on interpretation of poorly resolved 16S rRNA gene trees and a limited number of phenotypic features. Here, draft genome sequences of a greatly enlarged collection of genomes of more than 1,000 Bacteroidetes and outgroup type strains were used to infer phylogenetic trees from genome-scale data using the principles drawn from phylogenetic systematics. The majority of taxa were found to be monophyletic but several orders, families and genera, including taxa proposed long ago such as Bacteroides, Cytophaga, and Flavobacterium but also quite recent taxa, as well as a few species were shown to be in need of revision. According proposals are made for the recognition of new orders, families and genera, as well as the transfer of a variety of species to other genera. In addition, emended descriptions are given for many species mainly involving information on DNA G+C content and (approximate) genome size, both of which can be considered valuable taxonomic markers. We detected many incongruities when comparing the results of the present study with existing classifications, which appear to be caused by insufficiently resolved 16S rRNA gene trees or incomplete taxon sampling. The few significant incongruities found between 16S rRNA gene and whole genome trees underline the pitfalls inherent in phylogenies based upon single gene sequences and the impediment in using ordinary bootstrapping in phylogenomic studies, particularly when combined with too narrow gene selections. While a significant degree of phylogenetic conservation was detected in all phenotypic characters investigated, the overall fit to the tree varied considerably, which is one of the probable causes of misclassifications in the past, much like the use of plesiomorphic character states as diagnostic features.

Rhodophyticola porphyridii gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a red alga, Porphyridium marinum

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain MA-7-27^T, was isolated from a marine red alga, Porphyridium marinum, in the Republic of Korea. The cells of strain MA-7-27^T were non-motile rods showing oxidase- and catalase-positive activities. Growth of strain MA-7-27^T was observed at 15-45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0.0-5.0 % (w/v) NaCl (2.0 %). Strain MA-7-27^T contained C10 : 0, summed feature 1 (comprising iso-C15 : 1 h and/or C13 : 1 3-OH) and summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) as the major fatty acids. The only isoprenoid quinone detected was ubiquinone-10. The major polar lipids of strain MA-7-27^T were phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified aminolipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was approximately 63.6 mol%. Strain MA-7-27^T was most closely related to the type strains of Boseongicola aestuarii BS-W15^T and Nioella nitratireducens SSW136^T with 96.98 % and 96.12 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively, but phylogenetic analyses showed that strain MA-7-27^T formed a clearly distinct phylogenic lineage from the closely related strains. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties support that strain MA-7-27^T represents a novel genus of the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Rhodophyticola porphyridii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MA-7-27^T (=KACC 18805^T=JCM 31537^T).

Tamlana carrageenivorans sp. nov., a carrageenan-degrading bacterium isolated from seawater

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, agarolytic and carrageenolytic bacterial strain, designated UJ94^T, was isolated from seawater of Uljin in the Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain UJ94^T shared sequence similarities of 98.4, 96.1 and 95.4 % with Tamlana agarivorans JW-26^T, Tamlana sedimentorum KMM 9545^T and Tamlana crocina HST1-43^T, respectively. Growth of strain UJ94^T was observed at 4-37 °C and pH 6.5-8.0 in the presence of 2-9 % (w/v) NaCl. The major fatty acids of strain UJ94^T were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH; MK-6 was the predominant menaquinone. Phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and five unidentified lipids were detected as major polar lipids. The whole circular genome comprised 4 116 543 bp and had a G+C content of 35.2 mol%. The ranges of average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization estimated by genome-to-genome distance were 90.6-74.2 % and 47.6-14.6 %, respectively, with the type strains of T. agarivorans and T. sedimentorum. The present polyphasic study, including phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, biochemical and genomic data, suggested that strain UJ94^T represents a novel species of the genus Tamlana, for which the name Tamlana carrageenivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is UJ94^T (=KCTC 62451^T=NBRC 113234^T).

Mangrovicoccus ximenensis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from mangrove forest sediment

A Gram-strain-negative, coccoid bacterium, lacking bacteriochlorophyll, designated strain T1lg56^T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from Ximen island mangrove forest, Zhejiang province, China. Cells were halotolerant, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth was observed at 18-42 °C (optimum, 35 °C), at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum, pH 6.5) and in the presence of 0-15 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-5 %). The major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile of strain T1lg56^T consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids and five unidentified lipids. Ubiquinone-10 was the predominant respiratory quinone. The assimilation of the substrates in the API 20NE kit was positive in strain T1lg56^T. The DNA G+C content of strain T1lg56^T was 67.2 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain T1lg56^T was a member of family Rhodobacteraceae and was closely related to Poseidonocella pacifica KMM 9010^T, with 95.7 % similarity to the type strain. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain T1lg56^T formed a separate evolutionary branch, and was parallel to other related genera of Rhodobacteraceae. Its phylogenetic distinctiveness and distinguishing phenotypic characteristics supported that strain T1lg56^T represents a novel genus of the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Mangrovicoccus ximenensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T1lg56^T (=CCTCC AB 2016238^T=KCTC 52623^T).

Pacificibacter aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated KJ21T, was isolated from a tidal flat in South Korea. Cells were non-motile rods showing oxidase- and catalase-positive activities. Growth of strain KJ21T was observed at 10-35 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 1-5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2 %). Strain KJ21T contained summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0, 10-methyl C19 : 0 and C10 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids and ubiquinone-10 as the major isoprenoid quinone. Phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unknown aminolipid and an unknown lipid were detected as the major polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 53.9 mol%. Phylogenic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain KJ21T formed a tight phylogenetic lineage with the members of the genus Pacificibacter with a 100 % bootstrap value. Strain KJ21T was most closely related to Pacificibacter maritimus KMM 9031T (98.7 %) and Pacificibacter marinus HDW-9T (98.4 %), and the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain KJ21T and the type strains of P. maritimus and P. marinus were 46.9±4.2 % and 39.8±5.7, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, it is clear that strain KJ21T represents a novel species of the genus Pacificibacter, for which the name Pacificibacter aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KJ21T (=KACC 19098T=JCM 31805T).

Flexivirga oryzae sp. nov., isolated from soil of a rice paddy, and emended description of the genus Flexivirga Anzai et al. 2012

A Gram-staining-positive, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated R1T, was isolated from a rice paddy in South Korea. Cells were non-motile cocci showing oxidase-negative and catalase-positive activities. Growth of strain R1T was observed at 10-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0). Strain R1T contained iso-C16 : 0, summed feature 9 (comprising iso-C17 : 1ω9c/10-methyl C16 : 0), anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 1ω9c as the major fatty acids and MK-8 (H4) and MK-8 (H6) as the isoprenoid quinones. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, three unidentified phospholipids, four unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified glycolipid and four unidentified lipids. The peptidoglycan type was A4α with an l-Lys-l-Ser2-d-Glu interpeptide bridge containing a Gly residue. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 64.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain R1T was most closely related to the members of the genus Flexivirga, Flexivirga endophytica YIM 7505T (97.7 %), Flexivirga luteaTBS-100T (97.5 %) and Flexivirga alba ST13T (97.2 %). On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, it is clear that strain R1T represents a novel species of the genus Flexivirga, for which the name Flexivirga oryzae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R1T (=KACC 18597T=JCM 31060T). An emended description of the genus Flexivirga is also proposed.

Roseitalea porphyridii gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a red alga, and reclassification of Hoeflea suaedae Chung et al. 2013 as Pseudohoeflea suaedae gen. nov., comb. nov

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic bacterial strain, designated MA7-20T, was isolated from a marine alga, Porphyridium marinum, in Korea. Cells showing oxidase-positive and catalase-positive activities were motile rods with bipolar flagella. Growth of strain MA7-20T was observed at 15-45 °C (optimum, 30-37 °C), at pH 6.0-10.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and in the presence of 0-7 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-3 %). Strain MA7-20T contained summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c), 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c and C18 : 0 as the major fatty acids and ubiquinone-10 as the sole isoprenoid quinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidyl-N-methylethanolamine. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 61.5 mol%. Strain MA7-20T was most closely related to Hoeflea suaedae YC6898T, Oricola cellulosilytica CC-AMH-0T and Nitratireductor basaltis J3T with 96.0, 95.8 and 95.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively, but the strain formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage from them within the family Phyllobacteriaceae with a low bootstrap value. H. suaedae also formed a clearly distinct phylogenetic lineage from other members of the genus Hoeflea and closely related genera. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain MA7-20T represents a novel species of a new genus of the family Phyllobacteriaceae, for which the name Roseitalea porphyridii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MA7-20T (=KACC 18807T=JCM 31538T). In addition, H. suaedae is also reclassified as Pseudohoeflea suaedae gen. nov., comb. nov. (type strain YC6898T=KACC 14911T=NBRC 107700T).

Xanthomarina gelatinilytica gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from seawater

A novel Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, yellow-pigmented, non-sporulating, non-motile bacterium, designated strain AK20T, was isolated from seawater collected from Kochi city, Kerala state, India. Colonies on marine agar were circular, yellow, shiny, translucent, 2-3 mm in diameter, convex and with entire margin. Flexirubin-type pigment was present. The fatty acids were dominated by iso-branched units with a high abundance of iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G, iso-C17:0 3-OH, summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH) and iso-C15:0 3-OH. Polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, two unidentified phospholipids and four unidentified lipids. Menaquinone 6 (MK-6) was the predominant respiratory quinone. The DNA G+C content of strain AK20T was 38.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain AK20T was closely related to Formosa spongicola A2T and Bizionia paragorgiae KMM 6029T (pair-wise sequence similarities of 95.9 and 95.7%, respectively), forming a distinct branch within the family Flavobacteriaceae and clustering with the clade comprising species of the genus Bizionia. Based on phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, strain AK20T is different from the existing genera in the family Flavobacteriaceae, and is therefore considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Xanthomarina gelatinilytica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Xanthomarina gelatinilytica is AK20T ( = MTCC 11705T = JCM 18821T).

Tamlana nanhaiensis sp. nov., isolated from surface seawater collected from the South China Sea

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on a strain, designated FHC16(T), which was isolated from surface seawater collected from the South China Sea. Cells of strain FHC16(T) are Gram stain-negative, oxidase- and catalase-positive and non-motile rods. Growth was observed at 15-37 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3%). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain FHC16(T) is most closely related to Tamlana sedimentorum JCM 19808(T) (98.2% sequence similarity). The ANI value between strain FHC16(T) and T. sedimentorum JCM 19808(T) was found to be 81.82-81.81%. The DNA-DNA hybridization estimated value between strain FHC16(T) and T. sedimentorum JCM 19808(T) was determined to be 25.8 ± 2.41%. The principal fatty acids (>5% of the total) were found to be iso-C(15:0), iso G-C(15:1), iso-C(17:0) 3-OH, iso-C(15:0) 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C(16:1)ω7c/C(16:1)ω6c). The strain was found to have MK-6 as the major respiratory menaquinone, which is consistent with the other three recognized Tamlana species, T. sedimentorum, Tamlana crocina and Tamlana agarivorans. The polar lipids were found to comprise phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids and seven unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the chromosomal DNA was determined to be 34.2 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular data, strain FHC16(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Tamlana, for which the name Tamlana nanhaiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FHC16(T) (.LMG 27420(T) = CGMCC 1.12469(T) = MCCC 1A06648(T)).

Muriicola marianensis sp. nov., isolated from seawater

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, orange-pigmented, rod-shaped and non-motile bacterium, designated strain A6B8T, was isolated from seawater of the Mariana Trench. The isolate grew at 4–50 °C (optimum 30–35 °C), at pH 6.5–8.0 (optimum pH 7.5) and with 0.5–4.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1.0–2.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain A6B8T was related most closely to the genus Muriicola and shared highest sequence similarity of 97.7 % with Muriicola jejuensis EM44T. Chemotaxonomic analysis showed menaquinone 6 (MK-6) was the predominant isoprenoid and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH were the major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipid profile of strain A6B8T included phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminolipids and four unidentified lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 47.1 mol%. The DNA–DNA relatedness value (23.3 %) clearly demonstrated that strains A6B8T and M. jejuensis EM44T were representatives of two different species. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characterizations, A6B8T ( = CGMCC 1.12606T = KCTC 32436T) is considered to be the type strain of a novel species of the genus Muriicola , for which the name Muriicola marianensis sp. nov. is proposed.

Litoribaculum gwangyangense gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a sea-tidal flat sediment

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain GY12(T), was isolated from a tidal flat of South Korea. Cells were moderately halotolerant, catalase- and oxidase-positive rods with gliding motility, and were devoid of flagella. Growth of strain GY12(T) was observed at 15-40 °C (optimum 25-30 °C), pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum pH 7.0-7.5) and with 1-5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1-2 %). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids consisted almost entirely of phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 34.8 mol% and the only respiratory quinone detected was menaquinone-6 (MK-6). Strain GY12(T) was most closely related to the genera Gaetbulibacter, Flaviramulus, Mariniflexile and Tamlana with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 94-97 %, but phylogenetic inferences based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain formed phyletic lineages distinct from these genera within the family Flavobacteriaceae. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular features, strain GY12(T) represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Litoribaculum gwangyangense gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is GY12(T) ( = KACC 16441(T) = JCM 18325(T)).

Zhongshania aliphaticivorans sp. nov., an aliphatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium isolated from marine sediment, and transfer of Spongiibacter borealis Jang et al. 2011 to the genus Zhongshania as Zhongshania borealis comb. nov

A Gram-staining-negative, facultatively aerobic bacterium, designated SM-2(T), was isolated from a sea-tidal flat of Yellow Sea, South Korea. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive motile rods with a single polar flagellum. Growth of strain SM-2(T) was observed at 10-37 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 5.5-8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5) and in the presence of 0-11% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2%). Strain SM-2(T) contained ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the sole isoprenoid quinone and C(17:1)ω8c, summed feature 3 (comprising C(16:1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH), C(17:0) and C(18:1)ω7c as the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified lipid were identified as the major cellular polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 52.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SM-2(T) formed a tight phyletic lineage with Zhongshania antarctica ZS5-23(T), Zhongshania guokunii ZS6-22(T) and Spongiibacter borealis CL-AS9(T), but that S. borealis CL-AS9(T) was distinct from other species of the genus Spongiibacter. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, strain SM-2(T) was most closely related to S. borealis CL-AS9(T), Z. antarctica ZS5-23(T) and Z. guokunii ZS6-22(T), with similarities of 99.5%, 98.9% and 98.7%, respectively, but the DNA-DNA hybridization values among these species were clearly lower than 70%. On the basis of chemotaxonomic data and molecular properties, we propose strain SM-2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Zhongshania with the name Zhongshania aliphaticivorans sp. nov. (type strain SM-2(T) =KACC 18120(T) =JCM 30138(T)). We also propose the transfer of Spongiibacter borealis Jang et al. 2011 to the genus Zhongshania as Zhongshania borealis comb. nov. (type strain CL-AS9(T) =KCCM 90094(T) =JCM 17304(T)).

Loktanella variabilis sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat

Two Gram-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial strains with different colony colours (greyish yellow and moderate orange), designated J-MR2-YT and J-MR2-O, were isolated from a tidal flat in the South Sea of South Korea. The two novel strains grew optimally at 35–37 °C. Strains J-MR2-YT and J-MR2-O showed no difference in their 16S rRNA gene sequences, and the mean DNA–DNA relatedness between them was 94 %. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains J-MR2-YT and J-MR2-O clustered consistently with the type strains of Loktanella soesokkakensis , L. hongkongensis and L. cinnabarina , with which it exhibited 97.83–99.06 % sequence similarity. Sequence similarities to the type strains of the other recognized species of the genus Loktanella were 94.01–96.26 %. Both strains contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone, C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid and phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified aminolipid as the major polar lipids. The DNA G+C contents of strains J-MR2-YT and J-MR2-O were 68.1 and 68.4 mol%, respectively, and DNA–DNA relatedness values with the type strains of L. soesokkakensis , L. hongkongensis and L. cinnabarina were 19–37 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with their phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that the two novel strains are separated from other species of the genus Loktanella . On the basis of the data presented, strains J-MR2-YT and J-MR2-O are proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Loktanella , for which the name Loktanella variabilis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is J-MR2-YT ( = KCTC 42074T = CECT 8572T).

Seonamhaeicola aphaedonensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from a tidal flat sediment

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, AH-M5T, which was isolated from a tidal flat sediment at Aphae Island in South Korea, was characterized taxonomically. Strain AH-M5T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain AH-M5T clustered coherently with the type strains of Mangrovimonas yunxiaonensis and Meridianimaribacter flavus , showing 93.4–94.3 % sequence similarity. The novel strain exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of less than 93.4 % to the type strains of other recognized species. Strain AH-M5T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) as the major fatty acids. The polar lipid profile of strain AH-M5T containing phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid as major components was differentiated from those of the type strains of Mangrovimonas yunxiaonensis and Meridianimaribacter flavus . The DNA G+C content of strain AH-M5T was 34.8 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic data, demonstrated that strain AH-M5T is distinguished from Mangrovimonas yunxiaonensis and Meridianimaribacter flavus . On the basis of the data presented, strain AH-M5T is considered to represent a novel genus and species within the family Flavobacteriaceae , for which the name Seonamhaeicola aphaedonensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is AH-M5T ( = KCTC 32578T = CECT 8487T).

Flavihumibacter solisilvae sp. nov., isolated from forest soil

A Gram-stain-positive, strictly aerobic, yellow colony-forming bacterium, designated strain 3-3(T), was isolated from forest soil of Bac Kan Province in Vietnam. Cells were non-motile rods without gliding motility, showing oxidase- and catalase-positive reactions. Growth was observed at 20-37 °C (optimum, 28 °C) and pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.5). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 1) G and summed feature 3 (comprising C(16 : 1)ω6c and/or C(16 : 1)ω7c). Strain 3-3(T) contained phosphatidylethanoamine, three unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 49.5 mol% and the only isoprenoid quinone detected was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain 3-3(T) formed a tight phylogenetic lineage with Flavihumibacter petaseus T41(T) with a bootstrap value of 100%. Strain 3-3(T) was related most closely to F. petaseus T41(T) with 97.3% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and the level of DNA-DNA relatedness between the two was 9.4±1.2%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain 3-3(T) represents a novel species of the genus Flavihumibacter, for which the name Flavihumibacter solisilvae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 3-3(T) ( = KACC 17917(T) = JCM 19891(T)).

Tamlana sedimentorum sp. nov., isolated from shallow sand sediments of the Sea of Japan

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, saffron-pigmented, non-motile bacterial strain KMM 9545(T), was isolated from a marine sand sediment sample obtained from the Sea of Japan seashore and characterized in a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain KMM 9545(T) showed a high level of similarity to species of the genus Gaetbulibacter (95.1-96.2%), the type strains of species of the genus Tamlana (94.9-96.1%) and members of the genus Algibacter (94.8-96.1%). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences positioned strain KMM 9545(T) as a distinct lineage in the cluster comprising species of the genus Tamlana. Strain KMM 9545(T) grew at temperatures between 5-36 °C and in the presence of 2-4% (w/v) NaCl. It contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 1), iso-C(17 : 1) 3-OH, iso-C(15 : 0) 3-OH and iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH as the major fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 31.3 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic distance, it can be concluded that strain KMM 9545(T) represents a novel species of the genus Tamlana, for which the name Tamlana sedimentorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 9545(T) ( = NRIC 0921(T) = JCM 19808(T)).

Ramlibacter solisilvae sp. nov., isolated from forest soil, and emended description of the genus Ramlibacter

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, white-colony-forming bacterium, designated strain 5-10T, was isolated from forest soil of Bac Kan Province in Vietnam. Cells were non-motile rods or coccoids, showing oxidase- and catalase-positive reactions. Growth was observed at 10–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0–1.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0–0.5 %). The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c), C16 : 0, C10 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.9 mol% and the only respiratory quinone detected was ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 5-10T formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus Ramlibacter . Strain 5-10T was most closely related to Ramlibacter tataouinensis TTB310T (97.3 %), but the DNA–DNA relatedness level between the two strains was 38.2±1.8 %. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain 5-10T was shown to represent a novel species of the genus Ramlibacter , for which the name Ramlibacter solisilvae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 5-10T ( = KACC 17567T = JCM 19319T). An emended description of the genus Ramlibacter is also proposed.

Shewanella aestuarii sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated strain SC18T, was isolated from a tidal flat of Suncheon bay in South Korea. Cells were rod-shaped and motile by means of a polar flagellum. Cells were catalase-, oxidase- and β-haemolysis-positive. Growth was observed at 4–37 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C), at pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0–5.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0–2 %). The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. The polar lipid pattern indicated the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified lipids. Strain SC18T contained Q-7, Q-8, MK-7 and MMK-7 as the dominant respiratory quinones and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 41.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA and gyrase B (gyrB) gene sequences showed that strain SC18T formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus Shewanella . Strain SC18T was related most closely to Shewanella denitrificans OS217T (97.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Shewanella gaetbuli TF-27T (97.1 %), but the DNA–DNA relatedness levels between strain SC18T and the type strains of S. denitrificans and S. gaetbuli were 18.3±2.8 and 22.5±1.6 % (mean±sd), respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain SC18T represents a novel species of the genus Shewanella , for which the name Shewanella aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SC18T ( = KACC 16187T = JCM 17801T).

Roseovarius lutimaris sp. nov., isolated from a marine tidal flat

A novel Gram-staining-negative, moderately halophilic and strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain 112T, was isolated from a tidal flat at Taean, Korea. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive ovoids to rods and did not produce bacteriochlorophyll a. Optimum growth of strain 112T was observed at 30 °C, at pH 6.5–7.5 and in the presence of 2–4 % (w/v) NaCl. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0 and Q-10 was detected as the predominant ubiquinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 112T was 58.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 112T formed a phyletic lineage within the genus Roseovarius of the class Alphaproteobacteria . Strain 112T was most closely related to Roseovarius mucosus DFL-24T, with 96.52 % similarity. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain 112T represents a novel species of the genus Roseovarius , for which the name Roseovarius lutimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 112T ( = KACC 16185T = JCM 17743T).

Aquibacter zeaxanthinifaciens gen. nov., sp. nov., a zeaxanthin-producing bacterium of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from surface seawater, and emended descriptions of the genera Aestuariibaculum and Gaetbulibacter

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-flagellated, non-spore-forming and gliding marine bacterium, designated strain CC-AMZ-304(T), was isolated from coastal surface seawater near Taichung harbour, Taiwan. Strain CC-AMZ-304(T) predominantly synthesized zeaxanthin and thus formed yellow colonies on marine agar. The novel strain showed an unstable phylogenetic position, although sharing high pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.9-94.9, 95.7 and 95.1-93.9 % with Gaetbulibacter species (n = 4), Aestuariibaculum suncheonense SC17(T) and Bizionia species (n = 7), respectively. The polar lipid profile of strain CC-AMZ-304(T) consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, five unidentified lipids, one unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids and one unidentified glycolipid. The major (>5 % of the total) fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and C15 : 1ω5c. The DNA G+C content was 36.0 mol%. Menaquinone-6 (MK-6) was the sole respiratory quinone and the major polyamine was triamine sym-homospermidine. Phylogenetic distinctiveness, unique polar lipid composition, presence of significant amounts of branched hydroxyl fatty acids (iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH) and a low amount of anteiso-C15 : 0, and several additional distinguishing biochemical features clearly discriminated strain CC-AMZ-304(T) from the type species of the genera Aestuariibaculum and Gaetbulibacter. Thus, based on data from the present polyphasic study, strain CC-AMZ-304(T) is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus within the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Aquibacter zeaxanthinifaciens gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain of Aquibacter zeaxanthinifaciens is CC-AMZ-304(T) ( = JCM 18557(T) = BCRC 80463(T)). Emended descriptions of the genera Aestuariibaculum and Gaetbulibacter are also proposed.