Marinobacter albus sp. nov., Isolated from Sand Sediment in a Coastal Intertidal Zone

A Gram-stain-negative bacterium with a rod-to-ovoid shape, named strain M216T, was isolated from sand sediment from the coastal intertidal zone of Huludao, Liaoning Province, China. Growth was observed at 8-40 °C (optimal, 30 °C), pH 5.5-9.5 (optimal, pH 6.5) and 0.5-14.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimal, 6%). Strain M216T possessed ubiquinone-9 as its sole respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminophosphoglycolipid, one unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified phosphoglycolipids, three unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified glycolipids as the main polar lipids. C12:0, C16:0, C12:0 3-OH, C16:1 ω9c, C18:1 ω9c and summed features 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c) were the major fatty acids (> 5%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain M216T exhibited high similarity to those of 'Marinobacter arenosus' CAU 1620T and Marinobacter adhaerens HP15T (99.3% and 98.5%, respectively) and less than 98.5% similarity to those of the other type strains. The ANI and dDDH values between the strain M216T and 'Marinobacter arenosus' CAU 1620T were 87.4% and 33.3%, respectively; these values were the highest among the other type strains but lower than the species threshold. The G+C content of strain M216T was 58.3%. Genomic analysis revealed that strain M216T harbors the major CAZymes of GH13, GH23, GH73, and PL5, which are responsible for polysaccharide degradation and the potential ability to reduce nitrate to ammonia. Through phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic analyses, we proposed the name Marinobacter albus sp. nov., a novel species in the genus Marinobacter, with its type strain M216T (= MCCC 1K08600T = KCTC 82894T).

Massilia litorea sp. nov., Marinobacter salinisoli sp. nov. and Rhodobacter xanthinilyticus sp. nov., isolated from coastal environments

Three bacterial strains, namely LPB0304T, LPB0319T and LPB0142T, were isolated from coastal environments. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the three isolates were found to show the highest sequence similarities to Massilia litorea (98.44 %), Marinobacter salinisoli (97.55 %) and Rhodobacter lacus (97.60 %), respectively. The low (<98.7 %) sequence similarities and tree topologies implied the novelty of the three isolates, representing novel genomic species of the genus Massilia, Marinobacter and Rhodobacter. Numerous biochemical and physiological features also supported the distinctiveness of the isolates from previously known species. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic data presented in this study, three novel species are suggested with the following names: Massilia litorea sp. nov. (LPB0304T=KACC 21523T=ATCC TSD-216T), Marinobacter salinisoli sp. nov. (LPB0319T=KACC 21522T=ATCC TSD-218T) and Rhodobacter xanthinilyticus sp. nov. (LPB0142T=KACC 18892T=JCM 31567T).

Chemotrophic profiling of prokaryotic communities thriving on organic and mineral nutrients in a submerged coastal cave

The geothermal system of the Salento peninsula (Italy) is characterized by the presence of many hydrogen sulfide-rich underground waters and thermal springs. We focused our attention on the submerged section of Zinzulùsa (Castro, Italy), a cave of both naturalistic and archaeological interest. In pioneer studies, some hypotheses about the origin of the sulfurous waters of this area were proposed. The most accredited one is that sulfate-enriched waters of marine origin infiltrate deep along bands with greater permeability, and warm-up going upwards, due to the geothermal gradient. During their route, marine waters interact with organic deposits and generate hydrogen sulfide as a result of sulfate reduction. To date, no studies have been conducted to elucidate the hydrogen sulfide origin in this site. The nature of reducing power and energy sources supporting microbial life in this submerged habitat is currently unknown. Here we present a multidisciplinary experimental approach aimed at defining geochemical features and microbiological diversity of the submerged habitat of Zinzulùsa cave. Our integrated data provide strong evidence that the sulfate content of the marine water and the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria may account for the hydrogen sulfide content of the thermal springs. Anaerobic, sulfate-reducing, thermophilic Thermodesulfovibrio and hyperthermophilic Fervidobacterium genera show a high percentage contribution in 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding analyses, despite the mesophilic conditions of the sampling site. Besides, supported by PICRUSt functional analysis, we propose a chemotrophic model in which hydrocarbon deposits, entrapped in the stratifications of the seafloor, may be exploited by anaerobic oil-degrading bacteria as carbon and energy sources to sustain efficient hydrogen, sulfur, and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles. The Zinzulùsa hydrothermal site represents an ecosystem useful to obtain new insights into prokaryotic mutual interactions in oligotrophic and aphotic conditions, which constitute the largest environment of the biosphere.

Marinobacter salinexigens sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from hadal seawater of the Mariana Trench

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated ZYF650^T, was isolated from the hadal seawater (9600 m) of the Mariana Trench. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that ZYF650^T formed a lineage within the family Alteromonadaceae that was distinct from the most closely related species Marinobacter mobilis and Marinobacter nitratireducens with 16S rRNA gene sequences similarities of 98.0 and 97.7 %, respectively. Strain ZYF650^T showed average nucleotide identity values of 75.7 % with Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, 73.3 % with Marinobacter mobilis and 79.3 % with Marinobacter nitratireducens, and DNA-DNAhybridization values of 21.5, 21.3 and 22.0 % with M. hydrocarbonoclasticus, M. mobilis and M. nitratireducens, respectively, which were lower than the threshold for species delineation. Strain ZYF650^T grew with 0-14 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 7-8 %) at a temperature range of 10-45 °C (optimum, 28 °C) and pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0). The sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-9 (Q-9). The polar lipids in ZYF650^T comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified polar lipids, two unidentified aminolipids and two phospholipids. The predominant fatty acids (more than 10 % of total fatty acids) were C_18 : 1 ω9c (21.9 %), C_16 : 0 (21.7 %), C_12 : 0 3-OH (14.0 %), C_16 : 1 ω9c (13.2 %) and C_12 : 0 (12.2 %). The DNA G+C content of strain ZYF650^T was 55.6 %. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strain ZY650^T is considered to represent a novel specie of the genus Marinobacter in the family Alteromonadaceae, for which the name Marinobacter salinexigens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ZYF650^T (=JCM 33013^T=MCCC 1K03552^T).

Marinobacter changyiensis, sp. nov., isolated from offshore sediment

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated CLL7-20^T, was isolated from a marine sediment sample from offshore of Changyi, Shandong Province, China. Cells of strain CLL7-20^T were rod-shaped, motile with one or more polar flagella, and grew optimally at pH 7.0, at 28 °C and with 3 % (w/v) NaCl. The principal fatty acids of strain CLL7-20^T were C_16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C_16 : 1 ω7c/C_16 : 1 ω6c). The main polar lipids of strain CLL7-20^T were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG) and an unidentified aminolipid (AL). Strain CLL7-20^T contained Q-9 as the major respiratory quinone. The G+C content of its genomic DNA was 56.2 mol%. Phylogenetically, strain CLL7-20^T branched within the genus Marinobacter, with M. daqiaonensis YCSA40^T being its closest phylogenetic relative (96.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), followed by M. sediminum R65^T (96.6 %). Average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain CLL7-20^T and the closest related reference strains were 73.2% and 19.8 %, respectively. On the basis of its phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, we suggest that strain CLL7-20^T (=MCCC 1A14855^T=KCTC 72664^T) is the type strain of a novel species in the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter changyiensis sp. nov. is proposed. Based on the genomic analysis, siderophore genes were found from strain CLL7-20^T, which indicate its potential as a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers in iron-limitated environments such as saline soils.

Marinobacter profundi sp. nov., a slightly halophilic bacterium isolated from a deep-sea sediment sample of the New Britain Trench

A piezotolerant, cold-adapted, slightly halophilic bacterium, designated strain PWS21^T, was isolated from a deep-sea sediment sample collected from the New Britain Trench. Cells were observed to be Gram-stain negative, rod-shaped, oxidase- and catalase-positive. Growth of the strain was observed at 4-45 °C (optimum 37 °C), at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum 7.0) and in 0.5-20% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 3-4%). The optimum pressure for growth was 0.1 MPa (megapascal) with tolerance up to 70 MPa. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain PWS21^T is closely related to Marinobacter guineae M3B^T (98.4%) and Marinobacter lipolyticus SM19^T (98.2%). Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on sequences of housekeeping genes gyrB, recA, atpD, rpoB and rpoD indicates that strain PWS21^T represents a distinct evolutionary lineage within the genus Marinobacter. Furthermore, strain PWS21^T showed low ANI and diDDH values to the closely related species. The principal fatty acids were identified as C_12:0, C_12:0 3-OH, C_16:1ω9c, C_16:0 and C_18:1ω9c. Ubiquinone-9 was identified as the major respiratory quinone. The polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), aminophospholipid (APL), two unidentified lipids and an unidentified phospholipid (PL). The G + C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 60.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular data, we conclude that strain PWS21^T represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter profundi sp. nov. is proposed (type strain PWS21^T = KCTC 52990^T = MCCC 1K03345^T).

Alkalimarinus sediminis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment

Strain FA028T, a beige-pigmented, facultatively anaerobic, heterotrophic, catalase-negative and oxidase-positive, Gram-stain-negative bacterium, was isolated from marine sediment of the coast of Weihai, China. Cells of strain FA028T were rod-shaped, 1–3 μm in length and 0.5 μm in width. The strain was able to grow at 13–37 °C, at pH 7.0–9.5 and in the presence of 1.0–4.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Optimal growth was observed at 28 °C, with 3.0 % NaCl and at pH 7.5–8.0. Nitrate was not reduced. The G+C content of the DNA was 43.4 mol%. The isoprenoid quinone was Q-9 and the main cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω9c and iso-C15 : 0 2-OH/C16 : 1ω7c. The major polar lipids in strain FA028T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol; phospholipid was present in moderate to minor amounts in the polar lipid profile. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain FA028T was affiliated with the phylum Proteobacteria. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed that this isolate is unique, sharing < 93 % similarity with species of the families Alteromonadaceae and Oceanospirillaceae. On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain FA028T should be classified as representing a novel species of a new genus within the family Alteromonadaceae, for which the name Alkalimarinus sediminis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Alkalimarinus sediminis is FA028T ( = CICC 10906T = KCTC 42258T).

Marinobacter nitratireducens sp. nov., a halophilic and lipolytic bacterium isolated from coastal surface sea water

A novel Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile bacterium, designated strain AK21T, was isolated from coastal surface sea water at Visakhapatnam, India. The strain was positive for oxidase, catalase, lipase, l-proline arylamidase and tyrosine arylamidase activities. The predominant fatty acids were C12:0, C12:0 3-OH, C16:0, C16:1ω9c, C18:1ω9c and summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified phospholipids and one unidentified lipid. Q-10 was the predominant respiratory quinone. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 54.6 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain AK21T was a member of the genus Marinobacter and was closely related to Marinobacter xestospongiae, with pairwise sequence similarity of 97.2 % to the type strain, with similarity to other members of the genus of 94.0–96.8 %. The mean DNA–DNA relatedness of strain AK21T with M. xestospongiae JCM 17469T was 34.5 %, and relatedness with Marinobacter mobilis JCM 15154T was 40.5 %. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain AK21T clustered with the type strains of M. xestospongiae and M. mobilis at distances of 2.9 and 2.8 % (97.1 and 97.2 % similarity), respectively. Based on the phenotypic characteristics and on phylogenetic inference, it appears that strain AK21T represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter nitratireducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marinobacter nitratireducens is AK21T ( = MTCC 11704T = JCM 18428T).

Marinobacter halophilus sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from a salt lake

A Gram-staining-negative bacterium, strain XCD-X12(T), was isolated from Xiaochaidan Lake, a salt lake (salinity 9.9%, w/w) in Qaidam basin, Qinghai Province, China. Its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain XCD-X12(T) were non-spore-forming rods, 0.4-0.7 μm wide, 2.1-3.2 μm long and motile with a single polar flagellum. Strain XCD-X12(T) was strictly aerobic and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth was observed in the presence of 0-20.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 4.0-8.0%), at 4-35 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at pH 6.5-10.5 (optimum, pH 8.5). It contained Q-9 as the predominant respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids (>10.0%) were C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω9c and C18 : 1ω9c. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, two unknown phospholipids and an uncharacterized aminophospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 55.6 mol% (Tm). Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain XCD-X12(T) was associated with the genus Marinobacter, and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus ATCC 49840(T) (97.4%), M. vinifirmus FB1(T) (96.8%), M. excellens KMM 3809(T) (96.8%) and M. antarcticus ZS2-30(T) (96.7%). DNA-DNA relatedness of strain XCD-X12(T) to M. hydrocarbonoclasticus CGMCC 1.7683(T) was 34 ± 5%. Based on these data, it is concluded that strain XCD-X12(T) represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter halophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XCD-X12(T) ( = CGMCC 1.12481(T)= JCM 30472(T)).

Marinobacter shengliensis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from oil-contaminated saline soil

Two moderately halophilic strains, designated SL013A34A2(T) and SL013A24A, were isolated from oil-contaminated saline soil from Shengli Oilfield, eastern China. Cells were found to be Gram-staining negative, aerobic, rod-shaped with a single polar flagellum. The isolates were found to grow at 10-40 °C (optimum 35 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum pH 8.0), and NaCl concentrations of 0.5-18.0 % (w/v) (optimum 3.0-6.0 NaCl). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the isolates belong to the genus Marinobacter. Strain SL013A34A2(T) shares the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with strain SL013A24A (99.3 %), followed by M. hydrocarbonoclasticus CGMCC 1.7683(T) (97.8 %), M. vinifirmus CGMCC 1.7265(T) (97.8 %), and M. excellens KMM 3809(T) (97.4 %), respectively, but low similarities (93.8-96.4 %) with type strains of the other numbers of genus Marinobacter. DNA-DNA relatedness values of strain SL013A34A2(T) with strains SL013A24A, M. hydrocarbonoclasticus CGMCC 1.7683(T), M. vinifirmus CGMCC 1.7265(T) and M. excellens KMM 3809(T) were 88.7, 29.2, 33.4 and 29.4 %, respectively. The major fatty acids of strain SL013A34A2(T) were identified as C18:1 ω9c, C16:0, C12:03-OH, C12:0, C16:1 ω9c and 10-methyl C18:0. The major respiratory quinone of strain SL013A34A2(T) was found to be ubiquinone-9, and its predominant polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and unidentified glycolipid. The genomic DNA G + C content was found to be 56.1 mol %. Based on the phenotypic, genetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, these two isolates are representatives of a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter shengliensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SL013A34A2(T)(=LMG 27740(T) = CGMCC 1.12758(T)).

Biogeochemical implications of the ubiquitous colonization of marine habitats and redox gradients by Marinobacter species

The Marinobacter genus comprises widespread marine bacteria, found in localities as diverse as the deep ocean, coastal seawater and sediment, hydrothermal settings, oceanic basalt, sea-ice, sand, solar salterns, and oil fields. Terrestrial sources include saline soil and wine-barrel-decalcification wastewater. The genus was designated in 1992 for the Gram-negative, hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus. Since then, a further 31 type strains have been designated. Nonetheless, the metabolic range of many Marinobacter species remains largely unexplored. Most species have been classified as aerobic heterotrophs, and assessed for limited anaerobic pathways (fermentation or nitrate reduction), whereas studies of low-temperature hydrothermal sediments, basalt at oceanic spreading centers, and phytoplankton have identified species that possess a respiratory repertoire with significant biogeochemical implications. Notable physiological traits include nitrate-dependent Fe(II)-oxidation, arsenic and fumarate redox cycling, and Mn(II) oxidation. There is also evidence for Fe(III) reduction, and metal(loid) detoxification. Considering the ubiquity and metabolic capabilities of the genus, Marinobacter species may perform an important and underestimated role in the biogeochemical cycling of organics and metals in varied marine habitats, and spanning aerobic-to-anoxic redox gradients.

Marinobacter xestospongiae sp. nov., isolated from the marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria collected from the Red Sea

A Gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, non-sporulating, rod-shaped and slightly halophilic bacterial strain, designated UST090418-1611(T), was isolated from the marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria collected from the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed strain UST090418-1611(T) in the family Alteromonadaceae with the closest relationship to the genus Marinobacter. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the strain and the type strains of recognized Marinobacter species ranged from 92.9 to 98.3%. Although strain UST090418-1611(T) shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Marinobacter mobilis CN46(T), M. zhejiangensis CN74(T) and M. sediminum R65(T) (98.3, 97.4 and 97.3%, respectively), the relatedness of the strain to these three strains in DNA-DNA hybridization was only 58, 56 and 33%, respectively, supporting the novelty of the strain. In contrast to most strains in the genus Marinobacter, strain UST090418-1611(T) tolerated only 6% (w/v) NaCl, and optimal growth occurred at 2.0% (w/v) NaCl, pH 7.0-8.0 and 28-36 °C. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C(12:0) 3-OH, C(16:0), C(12:0) and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω6c and/or C(16:1)ω7c). The genomic DNA G+C content was 57.1 mol%. Based on the physiological, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics presented in this study, we suggest that the strain represents a novel species in the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter xestospongiae sp. nov. is proposed, with UST090418-1611(T) ( = JCM 17469(T)  = NRRL B-59512(T)) as the type strain.

Marinobacter antarcticus sp. nov., a halotolerant bacterium isolated from Antarctic intertidal sandy sediment

A Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, motile, oxidase- and catalase-positive, rod-shaped strain, designated ZS2-30(T), was isolated from Antarctic intertidal sandy sediment. The strain grew at 4-35 °C (optimum, 25 °C) and in 0-25% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3.0-4.0%). It could reduce nitrate to nitrite and hydrolyse Tween 80. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain ZS2-30(T) were summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or C(16:1)ω6c), C(16:0), C(18:1)ω9c, C(16:1)ω9c, C(12:0) 3-OH and C(12:0). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified aminophospholipid. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain ZS2-30(T) was 55.8 mol%. Analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain ZS2-30(T) was affiliated with the genus Marinobacter. It showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the type strains of three species of the genus Marinobacter, namely Marinobacter maritimus (98.3%), Marinobacter psychrophilus (98.1%) and Marinobacter goseongensis (97.1%), but the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain ZS2-30(T) and the above three species were all lower than 45%. Moreover, strain ZS2-30(T) could be distinguished from closely related species of the genus Marinobacter by various phenotypic properties. Based on this taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach, strain ZS2-30(T) is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter antarcticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marinobacter antarcticus is ZS2-30(T) ( = CGMCC 1.10835(T) = KCTC 23684(T)).

Genomic potential of Marinobacter aquaeolei, a biogeochemical "opportunitroph"

The genus of Marinobacter is one of the most ubiquitous in the global oceans and assumed to significantly impact various biogeochemical cycles. The genome structure and content of Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8 was analyzed and compared with those from other organisms with diverse adaptive strategies. Here, we report the many "opportunitrophic" genetic characteristics and strategies that M. aquaeolei has adopted to promote survival under various environmental conditions. Genome analysis revealed its metabolic potential to utilize oxygen and nitrate as terminal electron acceptors, iron as an electron donor, and urea, phosphonate, and various hydrocarbons as alternative N, P, and C sources, respectively. Miscellaneous sensory and defense mechanisms, apparently acquired via horizontal gene transfer, are involved in the perception of environmental fluctuations and antibiotic, phage, toxin, and heavy metal resistance, enabling survival under adverse conditions, such as oil-polluted water. Multiple putative integrases, transposases, and plasmids appear to have introduced additional metabolic potential, such as phosphonate degradation. The genomic potential of M. aquaeolei and its similarity to other opportunitrophs are consistent with its cosmopolitan occurrence in diverse environments and highly variable lifestyles.

Bacterial colonization on fecal pellets of harpacticoid copepods and on their diatom food

Fecal pellets make up a significant fraction of the global flux of organic matter in oceans, and the associated bacterial communities in particular are a potential food source for marine organisms. However, these communities remain largely unknown. In the present study, the bacterial communities on fecal pellets of the benthic copepod Paramphiascella fulvofasciata feeding on the diatoms Navicula phyllepta and Seminavis robusta were analyzed. The aim of this study was to characterize the bacterial communities associated with the diatoms and the fecal pellets by means of DGGE profiling. Furthermore, isolated bacteria were characterized by means of partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The composition of the bacterial microflora on fecal pellets was studied in terms of the effect of the original food source, the age of the fecal pellets and the copepod's identity. Alphaproteobacteria, Flavobacteria, and Bacilli were found on the fecal pellets; whereas on diatoms, exclusively Gammaproteobacteria were identified. Especially after eating N. phyllepta, there was an important increase in bacterial diversity, although the diatom N. phyllepta harbored a less diverse bacterial community than S. robusta. Our data suggest that the additional bacteria originate from the copepod's digestive tract and largely depends on the initial food source.

Marinobacter zhanjiangensis sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from sea water of a tidal flat of the South China Sea

A novel Gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, non-sporulating, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated strain JSM 078120(T), was isolated from sea water collected from a tidal flat of Naozhou Island, South China Sea. Growth occurred with 1-15% (w/v) total salts (optimum, 2-4%), at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and at 4-35 degrees C (optimum, 25-30 degrees C). The major cellular fatty acids were C(18:1) omega9c, C(16:0), C(12:0) 3-OH and C(16:1) omega7c. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-9, and the genomic DNA G + C content was 60.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain JSM 078120(T) should be assigned to the genus Marinobacter, being related most closely to the type strains of Marinobacter segnicrescens (sequence similarity 98.2%), Marinobacter bryozoorum (97.9%) and Marinobacter gudaonensis (97.6%). The sequence similarities between the novel isolate and the type strains of other recognized Marinobacter species ranged from 96.7 (with Marinobacter salsuginis) to 93.3% (with Marinobacter litoralis). The levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain JSM 078120(T) and the type strains of M. segnicrescens, M. bryozoorum and M. gudaonensis were 25.3, 20.6 and 18.8%, respectively. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supported the view that strain JSM 078120(T) represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter zhanjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 078120(T) (= CCTCC AB 208029(T) = DSM 21077(T) = KCTC 22280(T)).