Marinomonas rhodophyticola sp. nov. and Marinomonas phaeophyticola sp. nov., isolated from marine algae.

Two Gram-stain-negative, facultatively aerobic, and motile rod bacteria, designated as strains KJ51-3T and 15G1-11T, were isolated from marine algae collected in the Republic of Korea. Both strains exhibited catalase- and oxidase-positive activities. Optimum growth conditions for strain KJ51-3T were observed at 30 °C and pH 6.0-8.0, with 1.0-7.0 % (w/v) NaCl, whereas strain 15G1-11T exhibited optimal growth at 30 °C, pH 7.0, and 1.0-5.0 % NaCl. Major fatty acids detected in both strains included C16 : 0, C10 : 0 3-OH and summed features 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c) and 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). As for polar lipids, strain KJ51-3T contained phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol, and two unidentified phospholipids, whereas strain 15G1-11T had PE, PG, and an unidentified aminolipid. Ubiquinone-8 was the predominant respiratory quinone in both strains, with minor detection of ubiquinone-9 in strain KJ51-3T. The genomic DNA G+C contents were 44.0 mol% for strain KJ51-3T and 40.5 mol% for strain 15G1-11T. Phylogenetic analyses based on both 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences placed strains KJ51-3T and 15G1-11T into distinct lineages within the genus Marinomonas, most closely related to Marinomonas arctica 328T (98.6 %) and Marinomonas algicola SM1966T (98.3 %), respectively. Strains KJ51-3T and 15G1-11T exhibited a 94.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and a 70.7 % average nucleotide identity (ANI), with ANI values of 91.9 and 79.3 % between them and M. arctica 328T and M. algicola SM1966T, respectively, indicating that they represent novel species. In summary, based on their phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic properties, strains KJ51-3T and 15G1-11T are proposed to represent novel species within the genus Marinomonas, for which the names Marinomonas rhodophyticola sp. nov. (KJ51-3T=KACC 22756T=JCM 35591T) and Marinomonas phaeophyticola sp. nov. (15G1-11T=KACC 22593T=JCM 35412T) are respectively proposed.

Marinomonas profundi sp. nov., isolated from deep seawater of the Mariana Trench.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, polarly flagellated, straight or curved rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain M1K-6T, was isolated from deep seawater samples collected from the Mariana Trench. The strain grew at -4 to 37 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 5.5-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0.5-14.0  % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.0 %). It did not reduce nitrate to nitrite nor hydrolyse gelatin or starch. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain M1K-6T was affiliated with the genus Marinomonas, sharing 93.1-97.0  % sequence similarity with the type strains of recognized Marinomonas species. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω6c/C16 : 1 ω7c), summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0, C10 : 0 3-OH and C18 : 0. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. Polar lipids of strain M1K-6T included phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified lipids. The genomic G+C content of strain M1K-6T was 46.0 mol%. Based on data from the present polyphasic study, strain M1K-6T was considered to represent a novel species within the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonas profundi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M1K-6T (=KCTC 72501T=MCCC 1K03890T).

Horizontal gene transfer and silver nanoparticles production in a new Marinomonas strain isolated from the Antarctic psychrophilic ciliate Euplotes focardii.

We isolated a novel bacterial strain from a prokaryotic consortium associated to the psychrophilic marine ciliate Euplotes focardii, endemic of the Antarctic coastal seawater. The 16S rDNA sequencing and the phylogenetic analysis revealed the close evolutionary relationship to the Antarctic marine bacterium Marinomonas sp. BSw10506 and the sub antarctic Marinomonas polaris. We named this new strain Marinomonas sp. ef1. The optimal growth temperature in LB medium was 22 °C. Whole genome sequencing and analysis showed a reduced gene loss limited to regions encoding for transposases. Additionally, five genomic islands, e.g. DNA fragments that facilitate horizontal gene transfer phenomena, were identified. Two open reading frames predicted from the genomic islands coded for enzymes belonging to the Nitro-FMN-reductase superfamily. One of these, the putative NAD(P)H nitroreductase YfkO, has been reported to be involved in the bioreduction of silver (Ag) ions and the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). After the Marinomonas sp. ef1 biomass incubation with 1 mM of AgNO3 at 22 °C, we obtained AgNPs within 24 h. The AgNPs were relatively small in size (50 nm) and had a strong antimicrobial activity against twelve common nosocomial pathogenic microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus and two Candida strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of AgNPs biosynthesis by a Marinomonas strain. This biosynthesis may play a dual role in detoxification from silver nitrate and protection from pathogens for the bacterium and potentially for the associated ciliate. Biosynthetic AgNPs also represent a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics against common pathogens.

Marinomonas agarivorans sp. nov., an agar-degrading marine bacterium isolated from red algae.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and curved-rod-shaped bacterium, designated QM202T, was isolated from red algae (Gracilaria blodgettii). Cells of strain QM202T were 0.2-0.3 µm wide and 1.0-2.5 µm long, catalase-negative and oxidase-positive. The strain exhibited an agar-degrading activity. It was motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Optimal growth occurred at 28-30 °C, pH 7.0-7.5 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The DNA G+C content was 41.4 mol%. The isoprenoid quinone was identified as Q-8. Phophatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol were the predominant phospholipids. The dominant fatty acids were C18:1ω7c, C16:0 and C16:1ω7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain QM202T belonged to the genus Marinomonas. The closest described neighbour in terms of 16S rRNA gene sequence identity was Marinomonas blandensis MED121T (95.5 %). The differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness indicated that strain QM202T can be considered to represent a novel species, Marinomonas agarivorans sp. nov. The type strain is QM202T (=KCTC 52475T=MCCC 1H00145T).

Marinomonas flavescens sp. nov., isolated from seawater adjacent to Fildes Peninsula, Antarctica.

A Gram-negative bacterium, namely strain ANRC-JHZ47T, was isolated from a seawater sample collected at Biological Bay, Fildes Peninsula, Antarctica. Cells of strain ANRC-JHZ47T were rod-shaped and motile by a single polar flagellum. Strain ANRC-JHZ47T was aerobic, oxidase-negative, and catalase-positive. The strain grew at 4-37 °C (optimum, 25 °C), pH at 3.5-10.0 (optimum, pH 5.5) and in NaCl at 1-7.0 % (w/v; optimum, 2-3 %). Strain ANRC-JHZ47T used Q-8 as the predominant respiratory quinone. Its predominant fatty acids were C16 : 0 (21.9 %), C12 : 0 (12.6 %), C19 : 0cyclo ω8c (12.4 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 13.1 %), C10 : 0 3-OH (11.3 %) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c; 6.0 %). Its major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid and five unknown polar lipids. The DNA G+C content was 42.6 mol%. Strain ANRC-JHZ47T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Marinomonas arenicola KMM 3893T (97.9 %), followed by Marinomonas primoryensis KMM 3633T (97.6 %), Marinomonas profundimaris D104T (97.2 %) and Marinomonas pollencensis IVIA-Po-185T (97.0 %). Furthermore, the average nucleotide identity values between strain ANRC-JHZ47T and M. arenicola KMM 3893T, M. primoryensis KMM 3633T and M. profundimaris D104T were 79.8, 74.0, and 74.1 %, respectively. The in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between them were 22.5±2.5, 20.4±2.3 and 19.9±2.3 %, respectively. Based on the results of phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, strain ANRC-JHZ47T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonas flavescens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ANRC-JHZ47T (=MCCC 1K03604T=KCTC 72113T).

Marinomonas shanghaiensis sp. nov., isolated from the junction between an ocean and a freshwater lake.

A Gram-stain-negative, motile with single polar flagellum, rod-shaped bacterium, designated as strain DSL-35T, was isolated from the location where the ocean and Dishui lake meet at Shanghai on the East China Sea and characterized phylogenetically and phenotypically. Optimal growth occurred at 35 °C (range, 4-40 °C), pH 8 pH 5-11) and with 3-4 % (w/v) NaCl (0-12 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain DSL-35T was related to members of the genus Marinomonas and shared the highest sequence identities with Marinomonasarctica 328T (98.0 %), Marinomonashwangdonensis HDW-15T (97.5 %) and Marinomonasrhizomae IVIA-Po-145T (97.2 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence identities between strain DSL-35T and other members of the genus Marinomonas were below 96.8 %. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain DSL-35T and the three type strains, Marinomonas. arctica 328T, M. rhizomae HDW-15T and M. rhizomae IVIA-Po-145T, were 30.9±2.4 %, 21.7±2.2% and 22±2.3 %, respectively. The average nucleotide identity values between strain DSL-35T and the three type strains were 87.6 %, 84.6 and 84.2 %, respectively. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain DSL-35T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 40.0 %), C16 : 0 (22.5 %), summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c; 11.2 %), summed feature 2 (C14 : 0 3-OH and/or iso I C16 : 1; 7.2 %), C14 : 0 (6.8 %) and C12 : 0 (5.2 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 44.5 mol%. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data indicated that strain DSL-35T represents a novel species of the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonas shanghaiensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain DSL-35T (=KCTC 62646T=MCCC 1K03535T).

Marinomonas piezotolerans sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediment of the Yap Trench, Pacific Ocean.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped strain, YLB-05T, was isolated from a sample of deep-sea sediment (depth, 6796 m) from the Yap Trench. It was motile, oxidase-positive and catalase-positive. Growth was observed at salinities of 1-12 % (NaCl, w/v), with the optimum at 5 %. The strain was able to thrive at low (4 °C) temperatures, with the optimum at 37 °C, but did not grow at 50 °C. The optimum pressure for growth was 0.1 MPa with tolerance up to 50 MPa. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis showed that YLB-05T was most closely related to Marinomonas communis LMG 2864T (97.8 %). Phylogenetic analysis placed strain YLB-05T within the genus Marinomonas. The average nucleotide identity and the DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain YLB-05T and closely related type strains were below the respective thresholds for species differentiation. The principal fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c). The DNA G+C content was 45.7 mol%. The respiratory quinone was determined to be Q-8. The polar lipids were an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified aminophospholipid. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strain YLB-05T represents a novel species within the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonaspiezotolerans sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain YLB-05T (=MCCC 1A12712T=KCTC 62812T).

Characterization of Marinomonas algicida sp. nov., a novel algicidal marine bacterium isolated from seawater.

A novel Marinomonas-like, aerobic, Gram-reaction-negative, moderately halophilic, acidophilic, motile by a single polar flagellum, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium that showed algalytic activity, designated strain Yeongu 1-4T, was isolated from surface seawater of Geoje Island in the South Sea, Republic of Korea. The strain was oxidase-negative and weakly positive for catalase. Growth of this bacterium was observed at temperatures from 4 to 42 °C, at salinities from 0 to 12 % and at pH from 4.5 to 9.0, and it was not able to degrade starch, gelatin, casein or Tween 80. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Yeongu 1-4T was related most closely to Marinomonas spartinae SMJ19T with similarity of 99.3 %. However, levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain Yeongu 1-4T and the most closely related species were lower than 70 %, confirming that they represent distinct genomic species. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain Yeongu 1-4T was 44.2 mol%. The organism used Q-8 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and C16 : 1ω7c, C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 as major cellular fatty acids. Based on data from this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain Yeongu 1-4T belongs to a novel species of the genus Marinomonas, within the family Oceanospirillaceae, for which the name Marinomonas algicida is proposed. The type strain is Yeongu 1-4T (=KEMB 9005-327T=MCCC 1K00609T).

Marinomonas epiphytica sp. nov., isolated from a marine intertidal macroalga.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic marine bacterial strain, SAB-3T, was isolated from brown macroalgae (Dictyota sp.) growing in the Arabian sea, Goa, India. The strain grew optimally at 30 °C, with 2.0-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0 on marine agar medium. Strain SAB-3T was unable to hydrolyse aesculin and did not grow in the presence of rifamycin but showed resistance to antibiotics such as cefadroxil and co-trimoxazole. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0, and Q-8 was the major ubiquinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content was 41.0 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the strain was a member of the genus Marinomonas with Marinomonas aquiplantarum IVIA-Po-159T (97.6 % similarity), Marinomonas posidonica IVIA-Po-181T (97.5 %) and Marinomonas dokdonensis DSM 17202T (97.4 %) as the closest relatives. Whole genome relatedness determined through DNA-DNA hybridization revealed values of 40-50 % (below the 70 % threshold recommended for species delineation) with the above three species, thus confirming it as representing a distinct and novel species of the genus Marinomonas for which the name Marinomonas epiphytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SAB-3T (=JCM 31365T=KCTC 52293T=MTCC 12569T).

Marinomonas blandensis sp. nov., a novel marine gammaproteobacterium.

A novel Gram-staining-negative, chemoorganotrophic, moderately halophilic, strictly aerobic bacterium, strain MED121T, was isolated from a seawater sample collected at the Blanes Bay Microbial Observatory in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. Analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence, retrieved from the whole-genome sequence, showed that this bacterium was most closely related to Marinomonas dokdonensis and other Marinomonas species (96.3 and 93.3-95.7 % sequence similarities, respectively), within the family Oceanospirillaceae. Strain MED121T was included into a whole-genome sequencing study and, subsequently, it was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. It was found to be oxidase and catalase positive, its cells are cocci to short rods, it does not ferment carbohydrates and does not reduce nitrate to nitrite or gas and it requires at least 2.5 % (w/v) marine salts and tolerates up to 7 % (w/v) salts. Its major cellular fatty acids in order of abundance are C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c, C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and C10 : 0 3-OH. Its genome had an approximate length of 5.1 million bases and a DNA G+C content equal to 40.9 mol%. Analysis of the annotated genes reveals the capacity for the synthesis of ubiquinone 8 (Q8) and the polar lipids phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, in agreement with other members of the genus. All the data collected supported the creation of a novel species to accommodate this bacterium, for which the name Marinomonas blandensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MED121T (=CECT 7076T=LMG 29722T).

Marinomonas gallaica sp. nov. and Marinomonas atlantica sp. nov., isolated from reared clams (Ruditapes decussatus).

Three Gram-negative bacterial strains (Cmf 17.2T, Rd 20.33 and Cmf 18.22T) isolated from reared clams in Galicia were subjected to a taxonomic study, based on genetic and phenotypic characterization. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene allowed the identification of the strains as members of the genus Marinomonas, sharing the highest similarity with Marinomonas aquimarina CECT 5080T (97.8 %-98.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences showed that the three isolates formed two different groups distantly related to their closest relative, M. aquimarina. DNA-DNA hybridizations were performed to confirm the taxonomic position and the results were below the recommended threshold for species delimitation, specifically 44.5 % (Cmf 17.2T with M. aquimarina CECT 5080T) and 55 % (Cmf 18.22Twith M. aquimarina CECT 5080T). Furthermore, the average nucleotide identity (ANIb, ANIm and OrthoANI) and in silico estimated DNA-DNA reassociation values among Cmf 17.2T, Cmf 18.22T and M. aquimarina CECT 5080T were in all cases below the respective threshold for species differentiation. The estimated G+C content of the genomic DNA was found to be 45.3 % (Cmf 17.2T) and 44.6 % (Cmf 18.22T). The principal fatty acids of the strains were found to be summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c), summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0, C12 : 0 and C10 : 0 3-OH. The results obtained on the characterization of the clam isolates indicate that they represent two novel species of the genus Marinomonas, for which the names Marinomonas gallaica sp. nov. (type strain Cmf 17.2T=CECT 9049T=LMG 29243T) and Marinomonas atlantica sp. nov. (type strain Cmf 18.22T=CECT 9050T=LMG 29244T) are proposed.

Marinomonas spartinae sp. nov., a novel species with plant-beneficial properties.

Two strains of Gram-stain-negative, chemo-organotrophic, aerobic and halophilic gammaproteobacteria, isolated from within the stem and roots of Spartina maritima in salt marshes from the south Atlantic Spanish coast, were found to represent a novel species in the genus Marinomonas through phylogenetic analysis of their 16S rRNA genes and phenotypic characterization. 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains shared < 96.2% similarity with other Marinomonas species, with Marimonas alcarazii being the most similar in sequence. They required sodium ions for growth, were able to thrive at low (4 °C) temperatures and at salinities of 12-15%, were unable to hydrolyse any tested macromolecule except casein, and grew with different monosaccharides, disaccharides, sugar alcohols, organic acids and amino acids. The novel species differed from other Marinomonas species in the use of several sole carbon sources, its temperature and salinity ranges for growth, ion requirements and cellular fatty acid composition, which included C16:0, C16:1 and C18:1 as major components and C10:0 3-OH, C12:0 and C12:0 3-OH as minor components. The name Marinomonas spartinae sp. nov. is proposed, with SMJ19T (=CECT 8886T=KCTC 42958T) as the type strain.

Characterization of a novel alkaline arylsulfatase from Marinomonas sp. FW-1 and its application in the desulfation of red seaweed agar.

A bacterial strain capable of hydrolyzing sulfate ester bonds of p-nitrophenyl sulfate (pNPS) and agar was isolated from the coast area of Qingdao, China. It was identified as Marinomonas based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence and named as Marinomonas sp. FW-1. An arylsulfatase with a recovery of 13 % and a fold of 12 was purified to a homogeneity using ion exchange and gel filtration chromatographies. The enzyme was composed of a single polypeptide chain with the molecular mass of 33 kDa estimated using SDS-PAGE. The optimal pH and temperature of arylsulfatase were pH 9.0 and 45, respectively. Arylsulfatase was stable over pH 8-11 and at temperature below 55 °C. The K m and V max of this enzyme for the hydrolysis of pNPS were determined to be 13.73 and 270.27 µM/min, respectively. The desulfation ratio against agar from red seaweed Gelidium amansii and Gracilaria lemaneiformis were 86.11 and 89.61 %, respectively. There was no difference between the DNA electrophoresis spectrum on the gel of the arylsulfatase-treated G. amansii agar and that of the commercial agarose. Therefore, this novel alkaline arylsulfatase might have a great potential for application in enzymatic conversion of agar to agarose.

Marinomonas mangrovi sp. nov., isolated from mangrove sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, Na(+)-requiring bacterial strain, designated B20-1(T), was isolated from soil of the root system of mangrove forest. Cells were curved rods and motile by means of a polar flagellum. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain B20-1(T) belonged to the genus Marinomonas , sharing highest sequence similarities with Marinomonas rhizomae IVIA-Po-145(T) (97.6%), Marinomonas dokdonensis DSW10-10(T) (97.0%) and Marinomonas foliarum IVIA-Po-155(T) (96.9%). The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain B20-1(T) were C10 : 0 3-OH, C18 : 1ω7c, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C16 : 0. Phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol were identified as the predominant phospholipids. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-8. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain B20-1(T) was 46.6 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA-DNA relatedness, a novel species, Marinomonas mangrovi sp. nov., is proposed with B20-1(T) ( =DSM 28136(T) =LMG 28077(T)) as the type strain.

Marinomonas profundimaris sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediment sample of the Arctic Ocean.

A taxonomic study was carried out on strain D104(T), which was isolated from deep-sea subsurface sediment sample from the Arctic Ocean. The bacterium was found to be Gram-negative, oxidase negative and catalase weakly positive, rod shaped, motile by means of polar flagellum. The organism grows between 4 and 37 °C (optimum 25-28 °C) and 0.5-6 % NaCl (optimum 3 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain D104(T) belongs to the genus Marinomonas, with highest sequence similarities of 97.7 % to Marinomonas ushuaiensis DSM 15871(T), followed by M. dokdonensis DSW10-10(T) (96.9 %), M. arenicola KMM 3893(T) (96.7 %), M. arctica 328(T) (96.6 %) and other 18 species of the genus Marinomonas (94.4-96.5 %). The average nucleotide identity and estimated DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain D104(T) and M. ushuaiensis DSM 15871(T) were 84.24 % and 20.80 ± 2.33 % respectively. The principal fatty acids were C16:0, sum in feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), sum in feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c) and C12:1 3OH. The G + C content of the chromosomal DNA was determined to be 44.8 mol%. The respiratory quinone was found to be Q8 (100 %). Polar lipids include phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine as major phospholipids and aminolipid and phospholipid as minor components. The results of the genotypic and phenotypic analyses indicate that strain D104(T) represents a novel species of the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonas profundimaris sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain D104(T) (=MCCC 1A07573(T) = LMG 27696(T)).

Marinomonas fungiae sp. nov., isolated from the coral Fungia echinata from the Andaman Sea.

A novel aerobic marine bacterium, strain AN44(T), was isolated from the coral Fungia echinata sampled from the Andaman Sea, India. Cells were Gram-negative, motile and rod-shaped. Oxidase and catalase tests were positive. Heterotrophic growth was observed at pH 5.5-10 and at 16-42 °C, with optimum growth at pH 7-8 and 28 °C. Strain AN44(T) grew in the presence of 0.5-11% (w/v) NaCl; the optimal NaCl concentration for growth was 3-5%. The DNA G+C content was 47.8 mol%. Predominant cellular fatty acids of strain AN44(T) were C(18 : 1)ω7c, C(16 : 1)ω7c/C(16 : 1)ω6c, C(16 : 0), C(10 : 0) 3-OH, C(12 : 0), C(10 : 0), C(14 : 0) and C(18 : 0). The sole isoprenoid ubiquinone was Q-8. The polar lipids were an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminophospholipid and two unidentified glycolipids. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain AN44(T) clustered within the radiation of the genus Marinomonas and showed similarity of 97.9% with Marinomonas ostreistagni UST010306-043(T), 97.8% with Marinomonas aquimarina 11SM4(T), 97.1% with Marinomonas brasilensis R-40503(T) and 97.0% with Marinomonas communis 8(T). However, DNA-DNA relatedness between strain AN44(T) and closely related type strains was well below 70%. On the basis of the data from the present polyphasic taxonomic study, strain AN44(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonas fungiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AN44(T) ( = JCM 18476(T) = LMG 27065(T)).

Marinomonas hwangdonensis sp. nov., isolated from seawater.

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated HDW-15(T), was isolated from seawater of the Yellow Sea, Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain HDW-15(T) grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0, at 25 °C and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain HDW-15(T) fell within the clade comprising Marinomonas species, joining the type strain of Marinomonas arctica, with which it exhibited highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.7 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values between strain HDW-15(T) and the type strains of other Marinomonas species were in the range 93.7-97.2 %. Mean DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain HDW-15(T) and the type strains of M. arctica, Marinomonas polaris and Marinomonas pontica were 5.0-9.9 %. The DNA G+C content of the isolate was 48.7 mol%. Strain HDW-15(T) contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and C(18 : 1)ω7c, summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH) and C(16 : 0) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids found in strain HDW-15(T) were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, showed that strain HDW-15(T) can be differentiated from other Marinomonas species. On the basis of the data presented, strain HDW-15(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonas hwangdonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HDW-15(T) (= KCTC 23661(T) = CCUG 61321(T)).

Marinomonas alcarazii sp. nov., M. rhizomae sp. nov., M. foliarum sp. nov., M. posidonica sp. nov. and M. aquiplantarum sp. nov., isolated from the microbiota of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica.

Five novel Gram-reaction-negative aerobic marine bacterial strains with DNA G+C contents <50 mol% were isolated from the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. 16S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that they belonged to the genus Marinomonas. Major fatty acid compositions, comprising C10:0 3-OH, C16:0, C16:1ω7c and C18:1ω7c, supported the affiliation of these strains to the genus Marinomonas. Strains IVIA-Po-14b(T), IVIA-Po-145(T) and IVIA-Po-155(T) were closely related to Marinomonas pontica 46-16(T), according to phylogenetic analysis. However, DNA-DNA hybridization values <35 % among these strains revealed that they represented different species. Further differences in the phenotypes and minor fatty acid compositions were also found among the strains. Another two strains, designated IVIA-Po-181(T) and IVIA-Po-159(T), were found to be closely related to M. dokdonensis DSW10-10(T) but DNA-DNA relatedness levels <40 % in pairwise comparisons, as well as some additional differences in phenotypes and fatty acid compositions supported the creation of two novel species. Accordingly, strains IVIA-Po-14b(T )( = CECT 7730(T)  = NCIMB 14671(T)), IVIA-Po-145(T) ( = CECT 7377(T)  = NCIMB 14431(T)), IVIA-Po-155(T) ( = CECT 7731(T)  = NCIMB 14672(T)), IVIA-Po-181(T) ( = CECT 7376(T)  = NCIMB 14433(T)) and IVIA-Po-159(T) ( = CECT 7732(T)  = NCIMB 14673(T)) represent novel species, for which the names Marinomonas alcarazii sp. nov., Marinomonas rhizomae sp. nov., Marinomonas foliarum sp. nov., Marinomonas posidonica sp. nov. and Marinomonas aquiplantarum sp. nov. are proposed, respectively.

Marinomonas brasilensis sp. nov., isolated from the coral Mussismilia hispida, and reclassification of Marinomonas basaltis as a later heterotypic synonym of Marinomonas communis.

A Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium, designated strain R-40503(T), was isolated from mucus of the reef-builder coral Mussismilia hispida, located in the São Sebastião Channel, São Paulo, Brazil. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that strain R-40503(T) belongs to the genus Marinomonas. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of R-40503(T) was above 97 % with the type strains of Marinomonas vaga, M. basaltis, M. communis and M. pontica, and below 97 % with type strains of the other Marinomonas species. Strain R-40503(T) showed less than 35 % DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) with the type strains of the phylogenetically closest Marinomonas species, demonstrating that it should be classified into a novel species. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analyses provided further evidence for the proposal of a novel species. Concurrently, a close genomic relationship between M. basaltis and M. communis was observed. The type strains of these two species showed 78 % DDH and 63 % AFLP pattern similarity. Their phenotypic features were very similar, and their DNA G+C contents were identical (46.3 mol%). Collectively, these data demonstrate unambiguously that Marinomonas basaltis is a later heterotypic synonym of Marinomonas communis. Several phenotypic features can be used to discriminate between Marinomonas species. The novel strain R-40503(T) is clearly distinguishable from its neighbours. For instance, it shows oxidase and urease activity, utilizes l-asparagine and has the fatty acid C(12 : 1) 3-OH but lacks C(10 : 0) and C(12 : 0). The name Marinomonas brasilensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain R-40503(T) ( = R-278(T)  = LMG 25434(T)  = CAIM 1459(T)). The DNA G+C content of strain R-40503(T) is 46.5 mol%.

Taxonomic study of Marinomonas strains isolated from the seagrass Posidonia oceanica, with descriptions of Marinomonas balearica sp. nov. and Marinomonas pollencensis sp. nov.

Novel aerobic, Gram-negative bacteria with DNA G+C contents below 50 mol% were isolated from the culturable microbiota associated with the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses revealed that they belong to the genus Marinomonas. Strain IVIA-Po-186 is a strain of the species Marinomonas mediterranea, showing 99.77 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strain, MMB-1(T), and sharing all phenotypic characteristics studied. This is the first description of this species forming part of the microbiota of a marine plant. A second strain, designated IVIA-Po-101(T), was closely related to M. mediterranea based on phylogenetic studies. However, it differed in characteristics such as melanin synthesis and tyrosinase, laccase and antimicrobial activities. In addition, strain IVIA-Po-101(T) was auxotrophic and unable to use acetate. IVIA-Po-101(T) shared 97.86 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with M. mediterranea MMB-1(T), but the level of DNA-DNA relatedness between the two strains was only 10.3 %. On the basis of these data, strain IVIA-Po-101(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonas balearica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IVIA-Po-101(T) (=CECT 7378(T) =NCIMB 14432(T)). A third novel strain, IVIA-Po-185(T), was phylogenetically distant from all recognized Marinomonas species. It shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.4 %) with the type strain of Marinomonas pontica, but the level of DNA-DNA relatedness between the two strains was only 14.5 %. A differential chemotaxonomic marker of this strain in the genus Marinomonas is the presence of the fatty acid C(17 : 0) cyclo. Strain IVIA-Po-185(T) is thus considered to represent a second novel species of the genus, for which the name Marinomonas pollencensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IVIA-Po-185(T) (=CECT 7375(T) =NCIMB 14435(T)). An emended description of the genus Marinomonas is given based on the description of these two novel species, as well as other Marinomonas species described after the original description of the genus.