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A Gram-negative, rod-shaped and filamentous bacterium designated MD30B T was isolated from a biofilm hanging in water flowing from an air conditioner condensate drain line in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Based on 1517 nucleotides of the strain's 16S rRNA gene, its nearest neighbours are Chitinophaga rhizosphaerae T16R-86 T (96.7 %), Chitinophaga caseinilytica S-52 T (96.6 %), Chitinophaga lutea ZY74 T (96.6 %), Chitinophaga niabensis JS13-10 T (96.6 %) and Chitinophaga ginsengisoli Gsoil 052 T (96.5 %). MD30B T cells are non-motile, strictly aerobic, and catalase and oxidase positive. Growth occurs between 10 and 45 °C. Major fatty acids in whole cells of MD30B T are 13-methyl tetradecanoic acid (34.1 %), cis -11-hexadecenoic acid (30.3 %), and 3-hydroxy, 15-methyl hexadecanoic acid (13.3 %). The quinone system contains predominantly menaquinone MK-7. The polar lipid profile contains the major lipids phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified lipid lacking a functional group, and two unidentified aminolipids. sym -Homospermidine is the major polyamine. The G+C content of the genome is 47.58 mol%. Based on phenotypic and genotypic differences between MD30B T and extant species in the Chitinophaga , we propose that MD30B T represents a new Chitinophaga species, for which the name Chitinophaga pendula sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate strain MD30B T as the type strain (DSM 112477 T =NCTC 14606 T ).

In this paper the Judicial Commission provides general guidance for interpreting the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) and specific assistance to authors, reviewers and editors of a Request for an Opinion, or of other suggestions related to the ICNP. The role of the Judicial Commission is recapitulated, particularly with respect to the processing of such Requests. Selected kinds of nomenclature-related proposals are discussed that are unsuitable as the basis for a Request. Particular emphasis is put on Requests for placing names or epithets on the list of nomina rejicienda , and a dichotomous identification key is provided to guide potential authors of a Request that targets the name of a species or subspecies because of issues with its type strain. To this end, the criteria for the valid publication of such names under the ICNP are revisited. Aspects of other kinds of Requests are also addressed. The study is based on a comprehensive review of all Judicial Opinions issued since the publication of the Approved Lists in 1980. One goal of this paper is to assist potential authors in deciding whether their concern should be the subject of a Request, and if so, in composing it with the greatest chance of success. It is also clarified how to obtain additional help regarding nomenclature-related issues.

Opinion 123 places the epithet of the name Aeromonas punctata on the list of rejected epithets and clarifies the citation of authors of selected names within the genus Aeromonas . Opinion 124 denies the request to place Borreliella on the list of rejected names because the request is based on a misinterpretation of the Code, which is clarified. There are alternative ways to solve the perceived problem. Opinion 125 denies the request to place Lactobacillus fornicalis on the list of rejected names because the provided information does not yield a reason for rejection. Opinion 126 denies the request to place Prolinoborus and Prolinoborus fasciculus on the list of rejected names because a relevant type strain deposit was not examined. Opinion 127 grants the request to assign the strain deposited as ATCC 4720 as the type strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens , thereby correcting the Approved Lists. These Opinions were ratified by the voting members of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes.

Opinion 112 denies the request to place Seliberia Aristovskaya and Parinkina 1963 (Approved Lists 1980) on the list of rejected names because the information provided is insufficient. For the same reason, Opinion 113 denies the request to reject Shewanella irciniae Lee et al . 2006 and Opinion 114 denies the request to reject the name Enterobacter siamensis Khunthongpan et al . 2014. Opinion 115 rejects the epithet of Moorella thermoautotrophica (Wiegel et al . 1981) Collins et al . 1994, which is regarded as a nomen confusum . To assess the consequences of Rule 8, Opinion 116 revisits names of taxa above the rank of genus which should comprise the stem of the name of a nomenclatural type and a category-specific ending but fail to do so. Such names should be orthographically corrected if the sole error is the inadvertent usage of an incorrect stem or be regarded as illegitimate if otherwise. The necessary corrections are made for a number of names. In Opinion 117, the request to designate Methylothermus subterraneus Hirayama et al . 2011 as the type species of the genus Methylothermus is denied because an equivalent action compatible with the Code was already conducted. In Opinion 118, the possible orthographical correction of the name Flaviaesturariibacter is treated, as are the analogous cases of Fredinandcohnia and Hydrogeniiclostidium . The genus names are corrected to Flaviaestuariibacter , Ferdinandcohnia and Hydrogeniiclostridium , respectively. Opinion 119 concludes that assigning Actinomycetales Buchanan 1917 (Approved Lists 1980) as nomenclatural type of the class Actinobacteria Stackebrandt et al . 1997 would not render that name legitimate if Rule 8 remained retroactive. The request is granted but Actinomycetales is also assigned as type of Actinomycetes Krassilnikov 1949 (Approved Lists 1980). In Opinion 120, the possible orthographical correction of the name Amycolatopsis albidoflavus is treated. It is grammatically corrected to Amycolatopsis albidoflava . Six names which could according to Rule 61 be grammatically corrected by anyone are also corrected. Opinion 121 denies the request to revise Opinion 69 and notes that Opinion 69 does not have the undesirable consequences emphasized in the request. In Opinion 122, the request to reject various taxon names of Mollicutes proposed in 2018 is denied because it is based on misinterpretations of the Code, which are clarified. Alternative ways to solve the perceived problems are outlined. These Opinions were ratified by the voting members of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes.

A facultative anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming bacterium, isolated from the rhizosphere of maize roots ( Zea mays ), was taxonomically studied. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain JJ-79 T clustered only loosely with Neobacillus species and showed the highest similarity to Neobacillus soli (97.9%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the sequences of the type strains of other Neobacillus species were 97.5 % and below. Chemotaxonomic features supported the grouping of the strain to the Neobacillus group, e.g. the major fatty acids were C 15 : 0 anteiso, C 15 : 0 iso and C 16 : 0 , the polar lipid profile contained the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified glycolipid, the major quinone was menaquinone MK-7, and major compound in the polyamine pattern was spermidine. However, the JJ-79 T genome assembly did not share most of the 11 conserved signature indels that are indicative of the genus Neobacillus . The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the JJ-79 T genome assembly and those of the closest relative Bacillaceae type strains were <71, <71 and <25 %, respectively. Physiological and biochemical test results were also different from those of the most closely related Bacillaceae species. As a consequence, JJ-79 T represents a novel genus for which we propose the name Pseudoneobacillus rhizosphaerae gen. nov., sp. nov., with JJ-79 T (=CIP 111885 T =CCM 9045 T ) as the type strain.

A bacterial strain designated 27C T isolated from the cloaca of a giant Asian pond turtle was subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The strain was Gram-stain negative and oxidase- and catalase-positive. It had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Ottowia beijingensis GCS-AN-3 T (97.6 %) and Ottowia flava GY511 T 96.0% and less than 96.0 % to other established species including Ramlibacter rhizophilus YS3.2.7 T , Ottowia konkukae SK3863 T , Acidovorax caeni E-24608 T and Ottowia thiooxydans DSM 14619 T . Phylogenetically, strain 27C T formed a branch with O. beijingensis GCS-AN-3 T within the Ottowia clade. The genome size was 4.32 Mbp and the G+C content was 65.7 mol%. Strain 27C T shared highest ANIb values with O. beijingensis GCS-AN-3 T (82.71/82.73 %) followed by O. oryzae KADR8-3 T (78.9/79.0 %) and O. caeni BD-1 T (73.3/75.2 %). The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso- diaminopimelic acid and the quinone system was ubiquinone Q-8. Predominant compounds in the polar lipid profile were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. Major polyamines were 2-hydroxyputrescine and putrescine. In the fatty acid profile, summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1  ω 7 c and/or C 16 : 1  ω 6 c ), C 16 : 0 , summed feature 8 (C 18 : 1  ω 7 c and/or C 18 : 1  ω 6 c ), C 14 : 0 , C 10 : 0 3-OH and C 16 : 0 2-OH were detected. All these data identify strain 27C T as representing a novel species of the genus Ottowia and hence we propose the name Ottowia testudinis sp. nov. The type strain is 27C T (=CCM 9138 T =LMG 32213 T ).

Strain UY79 T was isolated from a root nodule of Arachis villosa , collected at the Esteros de Farrapos National Park, Río Negro, Uruguay. Cells were non-motile Gram-variable rods with central to subterminal oval to ellipsoidal endospores that swell the sporangia. Growth was observed in the range of 15-42 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and with up to 3 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1-2 %). Strain UY79 T was facultative anaerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. According to the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, UY79 T belongs to the genus Paenibacillus and is closely related to P. ottowii MS2379 T , P. peoriae BD-57 T , P. polymyxa ATCC 842 T and P. brasilensis PB172 T , exhibiting 99.4, 99.0, 99.0 and 98.9% sequence identity, respectively. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values with the most closely related type strains were 74.3-88.6% and 38.2-48.7 %, respectively. Major fatty acids (>10 %) were anteiso-C 15:0 , iso-C 15:0, and C 16 : 0 . Menaquinones MK-7 and MK-6 were the only isoprenoid quinones detected. Major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified glycolipid. Spermidine was the predominant polyamine. The DNA G+C content based on the draft genome sequence was 46.34 mol%. Based on the current polyphasic study, UY79 T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus , for which the name Paenibacillus farraposensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is UY79 T (=CCM 9147 T =CGMCC 1.19038 T ).

In Opinion 103, the request to place the name Spirillum volutans Ehrenberg 1832 (Approved Lists 1980) on the list of rejected names is denied because a neotype may be designated. Similarly, because a neotype may be designated, in Opinion 104 the request to place the name Beijerinckia fluminensis Döbereiner and Ruschel 1958 (Approved Lists 1980) on the list of rejected names is denied. In Opinion 105, it is emphasized that the name Rhodoligotrophos Fukuda et al . 2012 does not contravene the Code. The request to orthographically correct Rhodoligotrophos Fukuda et al . 2012 to Rhodoligotrophus corrig. Fukuda et al . 2012 is denied. Opinion 106 addresses two Requests for an Opinion and results in the placement of the epithet hoagii in Corynebacterium hoagii (Morse 1912) Eberson 1918 (Approved Lists 1980) and Rhodococcus hoagii (Morse 1912) Kämpfer et al . 2014 on the list of rejected specific and subspecific epithets. Since this removes all known available earlier synonyms of Rhodococcus equi (Magnusson 1923) Goodfellow and Alderson 1977 (Approved Lists 1980), the request to conserve the epithet equi in this name is denied. In Opinion 107, Thermomicrobium fosteri Phillips and Perry 1976 (Approved Lists 1980) is placed on the list of rejected names as a nomen dubium et confusum . Opinion 108 denies the request to place Hyphomonas rosenbergii Weiner et al . 2000 on the list of rejected names because the information provided to the Judicial Commission is not sufficient to draw a conclusion on this matter. In Opinion 109, which addresses three Requests for an Opinion, the Judicial Commission denies the requests to place the names Bacillus aerius Shivaji et al . 2006, Bacillus aerophilus Shivaji et al . 2006 and Bacillus stratosphericus Shivaji et al . 2006 on the list of rejected names. Instead, it is concluded that these three names had not met the requirements for valid publication. Likewise, the Judicial Commission concludes in Opinion 110 that the name Actinobaculum massiliense corrig. Greub and Raoult 2006 had not met the requirements for valid publication. The Judicial Commission reaffirms in Opinion 111 that Methanocorpusculum parvum Zellner et al . 1988 is the nomenclatural type of Methanocorpusculum Zellner et al . 1988 and further emphasizes that the species was not in danger of losing this status. These Opinions were ratified by the voting members of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes.

A Gram-positive, non-spore-forming actinobacterium (IMT-300 T ) was isolated from soil amended with humic acid in Malvern, AL, USA. This soil has been used for 50+years for the cultivation of earthworms for use as fish bait. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain IMT-300 T was shown to belong to the genus Leucobacter and was closely related to the type strain of 'Leucobacter margaritiformis ' L1 T (97.8%). Similarity to all other type strains of Leucobacter species was lower than 97.2 %. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the IMT-300 T genome assembly and those of the closest relative Leucobacter type strain were 81.4 and 23.3 % ( Leucobacter chironomi ), respectively. The peptidoglycan of strain IMT-300 T contained l-2,4-diaminobutyric acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. In addition, glycine, d- and l-alanine and d-glutamic acid were found. The peptidoglycan type represents a variant of B2δ (B11). The major quinones were menaquinones MK-10 and MK-11. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and moderate to minor amounts of two unidentified phospholipids, two unidentified glycolipids and an unidentified aminophospholipid. The polyamine pattern contained major amounts of spermidine and spermine. Strain IMT-300 T contained the major fatty acids C 15 : 0 anteiso, C 16 : 0 iso and C 17 : 0 anteiso, like other members of the genus Leucobacter . The results of ANI and dDDH analyses and physiological and biochemical tests allowed a genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain IMT-300 T from the most closely related Leucobacter species. Strain IMT-300 T represents a novel Leucobacter species, for which we propose the name Leucobacter soli sp. nov., with the type strain IMT-300 T (CIP 111803 T =DSM 110505 T =CCM 9020 T =LMG 31600 T ).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-endospore-forming organism isolated from horse blood was studied for its taxonomic allocation. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain M6-77 T grouped within the genus Devosia and was most closely related to Devosia elaeis (97.6 %) and Devosia indica (97.55 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to type strains of other Devosia species was below 97.5 %. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the M6-77 T genome assembly and those of the closest relative Devosia type strains were <85 and <25 %, respectively. Strain M6-77 T grew optimally at 25-37 °C (range: 10-36 °C), at a pH range of pH 6.5-10.5 and in the presence of up to 3 % (w/v) NaCl. The fatty acid profile from whole-cell hydrolysates supported the allocation of the strain to the genus Devosia . Major fatty acids were C 18 : 1  ω 7 c, 11-methyl C 18 : 1  ω 7 c and C 16 : 0 . The quinone system consisted exclusively of ubiquinone Q-10. The polar lipid profile was composed of the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and three unidentified glycolipids. In the polyamine pattern, putrescine was predominant and spermidine was detected in moderate amounts. The diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso- diaminopimelic acid. In addition, the results of physiological and biochemical tests also allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain M6-77 T from the closely related species. Hence, M6-77 T represents a new species of the genus Devosia , for which we propose the name Devosia equisanguinis sp. nov., with M6-77 T (=CIP 111628 T =LMG 30659 T =CCM 8868 T ) as the type strain.

A bacterial strain designated 26B T , which had been isolated from the cloaca of a toad-headed turtle, was subjected to a comprehensive taxonomic study. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that strain 26B T is a member of the family Neisseriaceae . Based on highest similarity values, Neisseria animaloris DSM 21642 T (95.15 %), Alysiella filiformis ATCC 15532 T (95.06 %), Uruburuella testudinis 07&#95;OD624 T (94.71 %), Uruburuella suis CCUG 47806 T (94.66 %) and Alysiella crassa DSM 2578 T (94.64 %) were identified as the closest relatives. Average nucleotide identity values based on the blast algorithm (ANIb) indicated that U. suis (76.10/76.17 %), Neisseria shayeganii 871 T (74.34/74.51 %), Stenoxybacter acetivorans (73.30/73.41 %), N. animaloris (72.98/72.80) %, A. filiformis (71.14/71.21 %) and A. crassa (70.53/71.15 %) are the next closest relatives. Like ANIb, genome-based phylogeny did not suggest the affiliation of strain 26B T with any established genus. The polyamine pattern consisted of the major compounds putrescine, 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine and the major quinone was ubiquinone Q-8. In the polar lipid profile, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an ornithine lipid were predominant. The fatty acid profile contained predominantly C 16 : 1  ω7 c , C 12 : 0 , C 14 : 0 , C 16 : 0 and C 12 : 0 3OH. The size of the genome was 2.91 Mbp and the genomic G+C content was 54.0 mol%. Since these data do not demonstrate an unambiguous association with any established genus, we here propose the novel genus Paralysiella with the type species Paralysiella testudinis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is 26B T (=CCM 9137 T =LMG 32212 T ).

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterial strain, isolated from the rhizosphere of Zea mays , was studied for its detailed taxonomic allocation. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain JJ-447 T was shown to be a member of the genus Paenibacillus , most closely related to the type strain of Paenibacillus solanacearum (97.8 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values to all other Paenibacillus species were below 97.0 %. DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values with the type strain of P. solanacearum were 35.9 % (reciprocal 27%), respectively. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DDH values with the type strain of P. solanacearum were 84.86 and 28.9 %, respectively. The quinone system of strain JJ-447 T consisted exclusively of menaquinones and the major component was MK-7 (96.4 %) but minor amounts of MK-6 (3.6 %) were detected as well. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified aminolipid. Major fatty acids were iso- and anteiso-branched with the major compounds anteiso-C 15 : 0 and iso-C 15 : 0 . Physiological and biochemical characteristics allowed a further phenotypic differentiation of strain JJ-447 T from the most closely related species on the basis of d-glucose, l-arabinose and d-mannose assimilation and other physiological tests. Thus, JJ-447 T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus , for which the name Paenibacillus allorhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed, with JJ-447 T (=LMG 31601 T =CCM 9021 T =CIP 111802 T ) as the type strain.

A bacterial strain designated 32A T was isolated from the skin of an Anderson's salamander ( Ambystoma andersoni ) and subjected to a comprehensive taxonomic study. The strain was Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, oxidase- and urease-negative, and catalase-positive. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons placed the strain in the genus Luteolibacter with highest sequence similarities to Luteolibacter pohnpeiensis A4T-83 T (95.2%), Luteolibacter gellanilyticus CB-286403 T (95.1%) and Luteolibacter cuticulihirudinis E100 T (94.9%). Genomic sequence analysis revealed a size of 5.3 Mbp, a G+C-content of 62.2 mol% and highest ANI values with Luteolibacter luteus (71.2%), Luteolibacter yonseiensis (71.4%) and L. pohnpeiensis (69.5%). In the polyamine pattern, 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine were predominant. The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso -diaminopimelic acid. The quinone system was composed of the major menaquinones MK-9 and MK-10. Major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, the unidentified aminolipid AL2, the unidentified phospholipid PL2 and the unidentified aminophospholipid APL1. The fatty acid profile contained major amounts of iso-C 14:0 , iso-C 16:0 , C 16 : 0 and C 16 : 1  ω9 c . In addition, C 14 : 0 , C 15:0, anteiso-C 15 : 0 , summed feature 2 (C 14 : 0 3OH and/or iso-C 16 : 0 I), and the hydroxylated fatty acids iso-C 14 : 0 3OH, iso-C 16 : 0 3OH and C 16 : 0 3-OH were detected. Physiologically, strain 32A T is distinguishable from its next relatives. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain 32A T represents a novel species of the genus Luteolibacter for which we propose the name Luteolibacter ambystomatis sp. nov. The type strain is 32A T (=CCM 9141 T =LMG 32214 T ).

Strain F2A T , isolated from the cricket Acheta domesticus , was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. Cells of the strain were rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative and catalase- and oxidase-positive. It did not assimilate any carbohydrates. The strain's 16S rRNA gene sequence showed highest similarity to Entomomonas moraniae QZS01 T (96.4 %). The next highest similarity values were found to representatives of related genera (<93 %). The genome size of strain F2A T was 3.2 Mbp and the G+C content was 36.4 mol%. Average nucleotide identity values based on blast and MUMmer and average amino acid identity values between strain F2A T and E. moraniae QZS01 T were 74.29/74.43, 83.88 and 74.70 %, respectively. The quinone system predominantly contained ubiquinone Q-8. In the polar lipid profile, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid were detected. The polyamine pattern consisted of the major compounds putrescine and spermidine. Major fatty acids were C 18 : 1  ω7 c and C 16 : 0 and the hydroxyl acids were C 12 : 0 3-OH, C 14 : 0 2-OH and C 14 : 0 3-OH. The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso -diaminopimelic acid. Due to its association with the only species of the genus Entomomonas but its distinctness from E. moraniae we here propose the novel species Entomomonas asaccharolytica sp. nov. F2A T (=CCM 9136 T =LMG 32211 T ).

A rod-shaped and Gram-stain-negative bacterial strain 9A T , was isolated from an air sample collected at King George Island, maritime Antarctica. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence reveals that strain 9A T belongs to the genus Hymenobacter and shows the highest similarity to Hymenobacter coccineus CCM 8649 T (96.8 %). The DNA G+C content based on the draft genome sequence is 64.9 mol%. Strain 9A T is strictly aerobic, psychrophilic, catalase-positive, oxidase-positive and non-motile. Growth is observed at 0-20 °C (optimum 10 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum pH 7.0), and in the absence of NaCl. The predominant menaquinone of strain 9A T is MK-7 and the major fatty acids comprise Summed Feature 3 (C 16 : 1  ω7 c and/or C 16 : 1  ω6 c; 25.2 %), iso-C 15 : 0 (23.2 %), C 16 : 1  ω5 c (11.6 %), Summed Feature 4 (anteiso-C 17 : 1 B/iso-C 17 : 1 I) (9.6 %) and anteiso-C 15 : 0 (9.6 %). The polar lipid profile consists of the major lipid phosphatidylethanolamine and moderate to minor amounts of phosphatidylserine, unidentified aminolipids, aminophospholipids, aminophosphoglycolipids, polar lipids lacking a functional group and an unidentified phospholipid and a glycolipid. In the polyamine pattern sym -homospermidine is predominant. On the basis of the results obtained, strain 9A T is proposed as a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter , for which the name Hymenobacter caeli sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is 9A T (=CCM 8971 T =LMG 32109 T =DSM 111653 T ).

A beige-pigmented, oxidase-positive bacterial isolate, Wesi-4 T , isolated from charcoal in 2012, was examined in detail by applying a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of the isolates were rod shaped and Gram-stain negative. Examination of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate revealed highest sequence similarities to the type strains of Pseudomonas matsuisoli and Pseudomonas nosocomialis (both 97.3 %). Phylogenetic analyses on the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated a separate position of Wesi-4 T , which was confirmed by multilocus sequence analyses (MLSA) based on the three loci gyrB , rpoB and rpoD and a core genome-based phylogenetic tree. Genome sequence based comparison of Wesi-4 T and the type strains of P. matsuisoli and P. nosocomialis yielded average nucleotide identity values <95 % and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values <70 %, respectively. The polyamine pattern contains the major amines putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine. The quinone system contains predominantly ubiquinone Q-9 and in the polar lipid profile diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine are the major lipids. The fatty acid contains predominantly C 16 : 0 , summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1 ω7 c and/or C 16 : 1 ω6 c ) and summed feature 8 (C 18 : 1 ω7 c and/or C 18 : 1  ω6 c ). In addition, physiological and biochemical tests revealed a clear phenotypic difference from P. matsuisoli . These cumulative data indicate that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas for which the name Pseudomonas carbonaria sp. nov. is proposed with Wesi-4 T (=DSM 110367 T =CIP 111764 T =CCM 9017 T ) as the type strain.

Genome sequence analysis of two strains collected in Canada at the end of the 1970s and deposited in 1998 at the Collection de l'Institut Pasteur has led to the taxonomic description of a novel fish-associated species in the genus Flavobacterium . Both strains, CIP 105534 T and CIP 105535, were yellow-pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming rod-shaped bacteria that exhibited gliding motility. They grew aerobically in a temperature range from 5 to 30 °C with optimal growth at 25 °C on trypticase soy or Reasoner's 2A agar but they did not grow on marine agar. Their major fatty acid profiles were similar, consisting of iso-C 15 : 0 , C 16 : 1  ω7 c and/or iso-C 15 : 0 2-OH (shown as summed feature 3), C 16 : 0 3-OH, iso-C 17 : 0 3-OH and C 16 : 0 . The major polyamine was sym -homospermidine. Phosphatidylethanolamine and, most notably, ornithine-containing lipid OL2 and unidentified aminophospholipid APL1 were major polar lipids. A yellow pigment spot was visible after chromatographic analysis. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-6. The G+C content of the two genomes was 34 mol% and their size was around 5.8 Mb. Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences with those of the closely related type strains showed high levels of relatedness with Flavobacterium collinsii and Flavobacterium pectinovorum . All average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values estimated against publicly available Flavobacterium genome assemblies were lower than 90 and 30 %, respectively. Phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data indicated that the two strains represent a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium , for which the name Flavobacterium bizetiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CIP 105534 T (=LMG 1342 T ). The unique ability of F. bizetiae to use melibiose as a sole source of carbon could provide a simple phenotypic test to discriminate F. bizetiae from its closest relatives.

A Gram-staining-negative non endospore-forming strain, T13(2019) T was isolated from water samples from Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) fry culture in Chile and studied in detail for its taxonomic position. The isolate shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the type strains of Flavobacterium chungangense (98.44 %) followed by Flavobacterium tructae and Flavobacterium spartansii (both 98.22 %). Menaquinone MK-6 was the predominant respiratory quinone in T13(2019) T . Major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, an ornithine lipid and the unidentified polar lipids L1, L3 and L4 lacking a functional group. The major polyamine was sym -homospermidine. The fatty acid profile contained major amounts of iso-C 15 : 0 , iso-C 15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C 17 : 0 3-OH, C 15 : 0 , summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1  ω7 c and/or iso-C 15 : 0 2-OH) and various hydroxylated fatty acids in smaller amounts, among them iso-C 16 : 0 3-OH, and C 15 : 0 3-OH, which supported the grouping of the isolate into the genus Flavobacterium . Physiological/biochemical characterisation and ANI calculations with the type strains of the most closely related species allowed a clear phenotypic and genotypic differentiation. In addition it became obvious, that the type strains of F. tructae and F. spartansii showed 100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities and ANI values of 97.21%/ 97.59 % and DDH values of 80.40 % [77.5 and 83%]. These data indicate that F. tructae and F. spartansii belong to the same species and it is proposed that F. spartansii is a later heterotypic synonym of F. tructae . For strain T13(2019) T (=CIP 111411 T =LMG 30298 T =CCM 8798 T ) a new species with the name Flavobacterium salmonis sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-staining-negative non endospore-forming strain, PXU-55 T , was isolated from the rhizosphere of the switchgrass Panicum virgatum and studied in detail to determine its taxonomic position. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the isolate represented a member of the genus Flavobacterium . The isolate shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the type strains of Flavobacterium chungangense (98.78 %) and Flavobacterium chilense (98.64 %). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH) values between the PXU-55 T genome assembly and the ones of the most closely related type strains of species of the genus Flavobacterium were 87.3 and 31.9% ( Flavobacterium defluvii ), and 86.1 and 29.9% ( Flavobacterium johnsoniae ). Menaquinone MK-6 was the major respiratory quinone. As major polar lipids, phosphatidylethanolamine, an ornithine lipid and the unidentified polar lipids L2, L3 and L4 lacking a functional group were found. Moderate to minor amounts of another ornithine lipid, the unidentified lipid L1 and a glycolipid were present, as well. The major polyamine is sym -homospermidine. The fatty acid profiles contained major amounts of iso-C 15:0 , iso-C 15:0 3-OH, iso-C 17:0 3-OH, C 15:0 , summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω7 c and/or iso-C 15:0 2-OH) and various hydroxylated fatty acids in smaller amounts, among them iso C 16:0 3-OH, C 16:0 3-OH and C 15:0 3-OH, which supported the classification of the isolate as a member of the genus Flavobacterium . Physiological and biochemical characterisation and ANI calculations with the type strains of the most closely related species allowed a clear phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of the strain. For this reason, we propose that strain PXU-55 T (=CIP 111646 T =CCM 8914 T ) represents a novel species with the name Flavobacterium panici sp. nov.

A rod-shaped and Gram-stain-negative bacterial strain, 1B T , was isolated from an air sample collected at King George Island, maritime Antarctica. Strain 1B T is strictly aerobic, psychrophilic, catalase-positive, oxidase-positive and non-motile. Growth of strain 1B T is observed at 0-20 °C (optimum, 10 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl (optimum, 0.5 % NaCl). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences places strain 1B T within the genus Hymenobacter and shows the highest similarity to Hymenobacter antarcticus VUG-A42aa T (97.5 %). The predominant menaquinone of strain 1B T is MK-7 and the major fatty acids (>10 %) comprise summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1  ω 7 c and/or C 16 : 1  ω 6 c ; 32.5 %), iso-C 15 : 0 (17.6 %) and anteiso C 15 : 0 (12.3 %). The polar lipid profile consists of the major compounds phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, two unidentified aminolipids and one unidentified phospholipid. The DNA G+C content based on the draft genome sequence is 61.2 mol%. Based on the data from the current polyphasic study, 1B T represents a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter , for which the name Hymenobacter artigasi sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is 1B T (=CCM 8970 T =CGMCC 1.16843 T ).

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium -like Gram-stain-positive bacterium designated strain C605018/01/1 T isolated from a milk sample collected from the udder of a cow at post mortem . Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was most closely related to the type strain of Arcanobacterium pluranimalium (99.76 %); sequence similarities to all other Arcanobacterium species were below 97 %. The wet-lab DNA-DNA hybridization values among strain C605018/01/1 T and A. pluranimalium DSM 13483ᵀ were low, 16.9 % (reciprocal, 49.8 %). Pertaining to the whole genome sequence with a total length of 2.02 Mb and 1654 protein counts, the novel strain C605018/01/01 T displayed a G+C content of 51.6 % mol%. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H 4 ) supported the affiliation of this strain to the genus Arcanobacterium . The polar lipid profile consisted of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol-mannoside and unidentified glycolipid and aminophospholipids. Based on these results it is proposed that strain C605018/01/1 T should be classified as representing a novel species, Arcanbacterium bovis sp. nov. The type strain C605018/01/1 T (CCUG 45425 T =DSM 107286 T =BCCM/LMG 30783 T ).

A Gram-stain-positive bacterial isolate, designated LMM-1652 T , was isolated from an intrauterine cytobrush sample originating from a postpartum Holstein Friesian dairy cow. The strain had a rod to coccoid-shape, was catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analyses revealed that its closest relatives were Corynebacterium falsenii (97.05 % similarity), Corynebacterium jeikeium (96.83 %) and Corynebacterium urealyticum (96.82 %). Subsequent whole genome analysis showed that the genome-to-genome distance of strain LMM-1652 T to its closest relatives was in the range of 23.2-24.8 %, while the average nucleotide identity values ranged from 73.7 to 74.3%, thus confirming that this isolate represents a novel species. Strain LMM-1652 T was characterized by a quinone system mainly consisting of MK-9(H 2 ) and MK-10(H 2 ). The polar lipids profile of the strain consisted mainly of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol-mannoside, as well as one unidentified lipid lacking any functional group. Smaller amounts of four unidentified phospholipids, four unidentified glycolipids, β-gentiobiosyl diacylglycerol and four unidentified lipids lacking a functional group were also found. The cell wall contained meso -diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan. The fatty acid profile was mainly composed of C 18 : 1  ω9 c , C 18 : 0 and C 16 : 0 . We propose a novel species of the genus Corynebacterium with the name Corynebacterium urogenitale LMM-1652 T (=LMG 31163 T =DSM 108747 T ).

A total of 34 Corynebacterium sp. strains were isolated from caseous lymph node abscesses of wild boar and roe deer in different regions of Germany. They showed slow growth on Columbia sheep blood agar and sparse growth on Hoyle's tellurite agar. Cellular fatty acid analysis allocated them in the C. diphtheriae group of genus Corynebacterium . MALDI-TOF MS using specific database extensions and rpoB sequencing resulted in classification as C. ulcerans . Their quinone system is similar to C. ulcerans , with major menaquinone MK-8(H2). Their complex polar lipid profile includes major lipids phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol-mannoside, diphosphatidylglycerol, but also unidentified glycolipids, distinguishing them clearly from C. ulcerans . They ferment glucose, ribose and maltose (like C. ulcerans ), but do not utilise d-xylose, mannitol, lactose, sucrose and glycogen (like C. pseudotuberculosis ). They showed activity of catalase, urease and phospholipase D, but variable results for alkaline phosphatase and alpha-glucosidase. All were non-toxigenic, tox gene bearing and susceptible to clindamycin, penicillin and erythromycin. In 16SrRNA gene and RpoB protein phylogenies the strains formed distinct brancheswith C. ulcerans as nearest relative.Whole genome sequencing revealed the unique sequence type 578, a distinctbranch in pangenomic core genome MLST, average nucleotide identities <91%, enhancedgenome sizes (2.55 Mbp) and G/C content (54.4 mol%) compared to related species.These results suggest that the strains represent a novel species, for which wepropose the name Corynebactriumsilvaticum sp. nov., based on their first isolation from forest-dwellinggame animals. The type strain isKL0182 T (= CVUAS 4292 T = DSM 109166 T = LMG 31313 T = CIP 111 672 T ).

Eight facultatively anaerobic rod-shaped bacteria were isolated from raw milk and two other dairy products. Results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolates are placed in a distinct lineage within the family Propionibacteriaceae with Propioniciclava sinopodophylli and Propioniciclava tarda as the closest relatives (94.6 and 93.5 % similarity, respectively). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso -diaminopimelic acid, alanine and glutamic acid and was of the A1γ type ( meso -DAP-direct). The major cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C 15 : 0 and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyglycerol and three unidentified glycolipids. The quinone system contained predominantly menaquinone MK-9(H 4 ). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain VG341 T was 67.7 mol%. The whole-cell sugar pattern contained ribose, rhamnose, arabinose and galactose. On the basis of phenotypic and genetic data, eight strains (VG341 T , WS4684, WS4769, WS 4882, WS4883, WS4901, WS4902 and WS4904) are proposed to be classified as members of a novel species in a new genus of the family Propionibacteriaceae , for which the name Brevilactibacter flavus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is VG341 T (=WS4900 T =DSM 100885 T =LMG 29089 T ) and seven additional strains are WS4684, WS4769, WS4882, WS4883, WS4901, WS4902 and WS4904. Furthermore, we propose the reclassification of P. sinopodophylli as Brevilactibacter sinopodophylli comb. nov.

Francisella noatunensis is a fastidious facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes 'piscine francisellosis', a serious disease affecting both marine and fresh water farmed and wild fish worldwide. Currently two F. noatunensis subspecies are recognized, i.e. F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis and F. noatunensis subsp. orientalis . In the present study, the taxonomy of F. noatunensis was revisited using a polyphasic approach, including whole genome derived parameters such as digital DNA-DNA hybridization, whole genome average nucleotide identity (wg-ANIm), whole genome phylogenetic analysis, whole genome G+C content, metabolic fingerprinting and chemotaxonomic analyses. The results indicated that isolates belonging to F. noatunensis subsp. orientalis represent a phenotypically and genetically homogenous taxon, clearly distinguishable from F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis that fulfils requirements for separate species status. We propose, therefore, elevation of F. noatunensis subsp. orientalis to the species rank as Francisella orientalis sp. nov. with the type strain remaining as Ehime-1 T (DSM 21254 T =LMG 24544 T ). Furthermore, we identified sufficient phenotypic and genetic differences between F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis recovered from diseased farmed Atlantic salmon in Chile and those isolated from wild and farmed Atlantic cod in Northern Europe to warrant proposal of the Chilean as a novel F. noatunensis subspecies, i.e. Francisella noatunensis subsp. chilensis subsp. nov. with strain PQ1106 T (CECT 9798 T =NCTC14375 T ) as the type strain. Finally, we emend the description of F. noatunensis by including further metabolic information and the description of atypical strains.

A Gram-stain positive, pleomorphic, oxidase-negative, non-motile isolate from the ulcer of a farmed Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ), designated strain T11b T , was subjected to a comprehensive taxonomic investigation. A comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed highest similarities to the type strains of Pseudarthrobacter siccitolerans (98.1 %) and Arthrobacter methylotrophus and Pseudarthrobacter phenanthrenivorans (both 98.0 %). The highest ANI value observed between the assembled genome of T11b T and the publicly available Pseudarthrobacter and Arthrobacter type strain genomes were 81.15 and 80.99 %, respectively. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-9(H 2 ). The polyamine pattern contained predominantly spermidine. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, monogalactosyl-diacylglycerol and dimannosylglyceride. Minor amouts of trimannosyldiacylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol were also detected. The peptidoglycan was of the type A3α l-Lys-l-Ser-l-Thr-l-Ala (A11.23). In the fatty acid profile, anteiso and iso branched fatty acids predominated (anteiso C 15 : 0 , iso C 16 : 0 , anteiso C 17 : 0 ). Moderate to low DNA-DNA similarities, physiological traits as well as unique traits in the fatty acid pattern distinguished strain T11b T from the next related species. All these data point to the fact that strain T11b T represents a novel species of the genus Arthrobacter for which we propose the name Arthrobacter ulcerisalmonis sp. nov. The type strain is T11b T (=CIP 111621 T =CCM 8854 T =LMG 30632 T =DSM 107127 T ).

A Gram-stain-positive bacterial strain, designated LMM-1653 T , was isolated from a uterus swab from a Holstein Frisian dairy cow in the frame of a clinical sampling trial. The isolated strain, which showed a rod to coccoid shape, was catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, its closest relatives were Corynebacterium flavescens and Corynebacterium argatoratense (96.50 % similarity each), suggesting that this isolate represents a novel species. Strain LMM-1653 T had a quinone system consisting mainly of menaquinones MK-8(H 2 ) and MK-9(H 2 ). The polar lipid profile showed presence of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol-mannoside as well as one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified aminoglycolipid. Moderate to minor amounts of three unidentified glycolipids, β-gentiobiosyl diacylglycerol, one unidentified aminoglycolipid and three unidentified lipids without a functional group were also found. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the strain also contained corynemycolic acids. The fatty acid profile was predominantly composed of straight-chain, saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, dominated by C 18 : 1 ω9 c and C 16 : 0 . Since this isolate differs from the nearest related established Corynebacterium species in its genetic and phenotypic traits, a novel species named Corynebacterium endometrii LMM-1653 T (=LMG-31164 T =CCM 8952 T ) of the genus Corynebacterium is proposed.

A taxonomic study was carried out on four Gram-stain-negative strains P5773 T , P6169, P4708 and P6245, isolated from anus or mouth samples of Weddell seals at James Ross Island, Antarctica. The results of initial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that all four strains formed a group placed in the genus Pseudomonas and found Pseudomonas guineae and Pseudomonas peli to be their closest neighbours with 99.9 and 99.2 % sequence similarity, respectively. Sequence analysis of rpoD , rpoB and gyrB housekeeping genes confirmed the highest similarity of isolates to P. peli ( rpoD ) and to P. guineae ( rpoB and gyrB ). The average nucleotide identity value below 86 %, as calculated from the whole-genome sequence data, showed the low genomic relatedness of P5773 T to its phylogenetic neighbours. The complete genome of strain P5773 T was 4.4 Mb long and contained genes encoding proteins with biotechnological potential. The major fatty acids of the seal isolates were summed feature 8 (C 18 : 1 ω 7 c ), summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1 ω 7 c /C 16  : 1 ω 6 c ) and C 16:0 . The major respiratory quinone was Q9. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Putrescine and spermidine are predominant in the polyamine pattern. Further characterization performed using repetitive sequence-based PCR fingerprinting and MALDI-TOF MS analysis showed that the studied isolates formed a coherent cluster separated from the remaining Pseudomonas species and confirmed that they represent a novel species within the genus Pseudomonas , for which the name Pseudomonas leptonychotis sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is P5773 T (=CCM 8849 T =LMG 30618 T ).

Arthrobacterenclensis was reported to cluster with species of the genus Pseudarthrobacter but the peptidoglycan containing lysine, alanine and glutamic acid and the presence of minor amounts of menaquinone MK-8(H 4 ) were not in line with the description of the genus. Re-analysis of these traits revealed a peptidoglycan with l-Lys-l-Ser-l-Thr-l-Ala and no MK-8(H 4 ), but major amounts of MK-9(H 2 ) in the quinone system of A. enclensis DSM 25279 T . These data demonstrate that A. enclensis shares the characteristics of the genus Pseudarthrobacter. Since the reported quinone systems of Pseudarthrobacterphenanthrenivorans [MK-8 and MK-9(H 2 )] and Pseudarthrobacterscleromae [MK-8(H 2 ] were clearly different from those of other species of the genus, the quinone systems of the two species were re-analyzed. Since the polar lipid profile of P. phenanthrenivorans was reported to contain phosphatidylethanolamine, which is unusual for a member of the Micrococcaceae , and the polar lipid profile of P. scleromae was unknown, the polar lipids of these two species were also analysed. The quinone system of P. phenanthrenivorans DSM 18606 T was composed of the major menaquinones MK-9(H 2 ), MK-8(H 2 ) and MK-10(H 2 ) and that of P. scleromae DSM 17756 T was composed of the major menaquinones MK-9(H 2 ) and MK-8(H 2 ) and MK-9. In the polar lipid profile of P. phenanthrenivorans DSM 18606 T no phosphatidylethanolamine could be detected. Based on these results we here propose the reclassification of A. enclensis as Pseudarthrobacterenclensis comb. nov. and emend the descriptions of the genus Pseudarthrobacter and the two species P. phenanthrenivorans and P. scleromae .

A set of three psychrotrophic bacterial strains was isolated from different soil samples collected at the deglaciated northern part of James Ross Island (Antarctica) in 2014. All isolates were rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative, and produced moderately slimy red-pink pigmented colonies on Reasoner's 2A (R2A) agar. A polyphasic taxonomic approach based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, automated ribotyping, MALDI-TOF MS, chemotaxonomy methods and extensive biotyping using conventional tests and commercial identification kits was applied to the isolates in order to clarify their taxonomic position. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that all isolates belonged to the genus Hymenobacter with the closest relative being Hymenobacter aerophilus DSM 13606 T , exhibiting 98.5 % 16S rRNA gene pairwise similarity to the reference isolate P6312 T . Average nucleotide identity values calculated from the whole-genome sequencing data proved that P6312 T represents a distinct Hymenobacter species. The major components of the cellular fatty acid composition were summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1 ω 7 c /C 16 : 1 ω 6 c ), C 16 : 1 ω 5 c , summed feature 4 (C 17 : 1 anteiso B/iso I), C 15 : 0 anteiso and C 15 : 0 iso. The menaquinone system of strain P6312 T contained MK-7 as the major respiratory quinone. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified phospholipid. Moderate to minor amounts of three unidentified polar lipids, four unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified phospholipid were also present. Based on the obtained results, we propose a novel species for which the name Hymenobacterhumicola sp. nov. is suggested, with the type strain P6312 T (=CCM 8763 T =LMG 30612 T ).

Three Gram-stain-positive, rod-to-coccoid-shaped, catalase-positive and non-motile bacterial strains isolated from the choanae of a Northern bald ibis, designated strains 200CH T , W8 T and 812CH T , respectively, were subjected to comprehensive taxonomic characterization. The three strains were oxidase-negative. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of 200CH T showed highest similarities to Corynebacterium epidermidicanis 410 T (96.7 %) followed by Corynebacterium argentoratense DSM 44202 T , Corynebacterium ulcerans NCTC 7910 T and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis CIP 102968 T (each 96.3 %). Strains W8 T and 812CH T both showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Corynebacterium pelargi 136/3 T (98.0 and 99.9 %, respectively). Comparison of the partial housekeeping gene sequence of fusA showed higher sequence similarities of 812CH T to C. pelargi (95.8 %) than W8 T (90.9 %) which was also confirmed by corresponding amino acid sequences. In both, fusA gene and corresponding protein sequence strain 200CH T showed low sequence similarities to C. epidermidicanis 410 T (81.6 and 87.4 %, respectively). Strains 812CH T and W8 T had 76.7 % ANI similarity to each other and 88.2 and 76.4 % to C. pelargi 136/3 T , respectively. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization values for 812CH T and W8 T were 22.1 % among the two strains and 35.3 and 21.7 % to C. pelargi 136/3 T , respectively. These data not only demonstrate that strain W8 T is a representative of a novel species, but despite the high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to C. pelargi , strain 812CH T is also a representative of another novel species. All three strains possessed corynemycolic acids and contained meso -diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan. The two strains, 200CH T and W8 T , are distinguished from each other and established Corynebacterium species phylogenetically and phenotypically. In conclusion, three novel species of the genus Corynebacterium are proposed, namely Corynebacteriumpseudopelargi 812CH T (=LMG 30627 T =CCM 8832 T ) , Corynebacterium choanae 200CH T (=LMG 30628 T =CCM 8831 T ) and Corynebacteriumgerontici W8 T (=LMG 30629 T =CCM 8833 T ), respectively.

Two slightly beige-pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strains, IMT-291 T and IMT-297, were isolated from soil in a field located in Malvern, Alabama, USA. The source soil had been amended with humic acid and continuously used for the cultivation of worms used for fish bait. It is still conceivable that the source of the strains is from the humic acid amendment, although all attempts to isolate the novel phenotypes from the humic acid source have failed. The two strains were identical based on morphology, growth rate and subsequently by 16S rRNA gene sequences, but showed differences in genomic fingerprint patterns generated by rep-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed a placement of the strain in a distinct cluster with Xinfangfangia soli (97.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and in close proximity to the genus Falsirhodobacter with highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 95.3 % to the type strain of Falsirhodobacter deserti. Sequence similarities to all other type strains were below 95.0 %. The chemotaxonomic analysis showed a clear similarity to the genus Xinfangfangia. The main cellular fatty acids of the strain were C18 : 1 ω7c, 11-methly-C18 : 1 ω7c and C16 : 0. The major quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine were predominant in the polar lipid profile. The polyamine pattern contained the major compound spermidine and moderate amounts of putrescine and cadaverine. The diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Based on phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analyses we propose a new species of the genus Xinfangfangia, with the name Xinfangfangiahumi sp. nov. and strain IMT-291 T (=LMG 30636 T =CIP 111625 T =CCM 8858 T ) as type strain.

A slightly beige-pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, strain IMT-318 T , was isolated from soil in a field located in Malvern, Alabama, USA. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene placed the strain within the genus Pigmentiphaga with highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.74 % and 98.67 % to the type strains of Pigmentiphaga kullae and Pigmentiphaga daeguensis, respectively. Sequence similarities to all other species of the genus were below 98.0 %. Results of the chemotaxonomic analysis, however, showed clear similarities to the genus Pigmentiphaga. The main cellular fatty acids of the strain were C16 : 0, C18 : 1 ω7c, C17 : 0 cyclo and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. The major quinone was ubiquinone Q-8. The polar lipid profile was composed of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified aminophospholipid. In the polyamine pattern, putrescine and 2-hydroxyputrescine were predominant. The diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Based on phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analyses, we propose a new species of the genus Pigmentiphaga, with the name Pigmentiphaga humi sp. nov. and strain IMT-318 T (=LMG 30658 T =CIP 111626 T =CCM 8859 T ) as the type strain.

A Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, coccus (strain Do 184 T ) was isolated from exhaust air of a turkey fattening plant on mannitol salt agar. The strain shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of Jeotgalicoccus aerolatus (98.0%) followed by Jeotgalicoccus marinus (97.2%) and Jeotgalicoccus huakuii (97.1%). All other 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to species of the genus Jeotgalicoccus were below 97%. The average nucleotide identities (ANI) between the Do 184 T genome assembly and the ones of type strains of species of the genus Jeotgalicoccus were far below the 95% species delineation cutoff value, ranging from 79.47% ( J. marinus DSM 19772 T ) to 75.30% ( J. pinnipedialis CIP 107946 T ). The quinone system of Do 184 T , the polar lipid profile, the polyamine pattern and the fatty acid profile were in congruence with those reported for other species of the genus Jeotgalicoccus and thus supported the affiliation of Do 184 T to this genus. Do 184 T represents a novel species, for which the name Jeotgalicoccus meleagridis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Do 184 T (=LMG 31100 T =CCM 8918 T =CIP 111649 T ). In addition, data on genome sequences of Jeotgalicoccus halophilus C1-52 T = CGMCC 1.8911 T =NBRC 105788 T and Jeotgalicoccus aerolatus MPA-33 T =CCM 7679 T =CCUG 57953 T =DSM 22420 T =CIP 111750 T indicate that both isolates represent the same species. Pairwise ANI between the genomes of these two strains lead to similarities of 98.98-99.05 %. These results indicate that these strains represent members of the same species. Due to priority of publication it is proposed that Jeotgalicoccus halophilus is reclassified as Jeotgalicoccus aerolatus .

A Gram-stain-positive bacterium, strain RV15 T , forming an extensively branched substrate mycelium and aerial hyphae that differentiate into spiral chains of spores, was isolated from a marine sponge Dysidea tupha collected from Rovinj (Croatia). Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain RV15 T is a member of the genus Streptomyces with highest sequence similarity to the type strains of Streptomyces caeruleatus (98.8 %) , Streptomyces cyaneochromogenes (98.6 %) and Streptomyces shaanxiensis (98.5 %). Sequence similarities to all other Streptomyces types strains were below 98.5 %. The multilocus sequence analysis-based evolutionary distance, the average nucleotide identity value and the genome-to-genome distance of strain RV15 T and the type strain of S. caeruleatus were clearly below the species cut-off values. Strain RV15 T exhibited a quinone system composed of the major menaquinones MK-9(H 4 ), MK-9(H 6 ) and MK-9(H 2 ), typical for the genus Streptomyces . The polar lipid profile of strain RV15 T consisted of the predominant compounds diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, moderate amounts of phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, an unidentified lipid and an unidentified phospholipid. Major polyamines were spermine and spermidine. The diagnostic diaminoacid of the peptidoglycan was meso -diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acids were iso C 16 : 0 , anteiso C 17 : 1  ω9 c and anteiso C 17 : 0 . The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed further phenotypic differentiation of strain RV15 T from its most-related species and hence clearly merits species status. We propose the name Streptomyces dysideae sp. nov. with the type strain RV15 T (=DSM 42110 T =LMG 27702 T ).

Two slightly orange-pigmented, oxidase-positive bacterial strains (M1-83 T and M2-116), isolated from horse blood collected during slaughter in Giessen, Germany, were studied in a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of the isolates were coccoid and stained Gram-negative. The two strains shared identical 16S rRNA gene sequences but their genomic fingerprint patterns differed, indicating the genetic distinctiveness of the two strains. A comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain M1-83 T with sequences of the type strains of the most closely related Paracoccus species showed highest sequence similarities to Paracoccus acridae (98.2 %) and Paracoccus aerius (98.1 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to all other Paracoccus species were below 97.6 %. The fatty acid profile of the two strains consisted mainly of the major fatty acids C18 : 1 ω7c and C18:0, which is typical for the genus Paracoccus. The polyamine patterns of strain M1-83 T contained major amounts of putrescine and spermidine. The major quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. The diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The polar lipid profile was characterized by the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified glycolipid. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments between M1-83 T and the type strains of P. acridae and P. aerius resulted in similarity values of 17 % (reciprocal, 60 %) and 23 % (reciprocal 30 %), respectively. DNA-DNA hybridization results together with the differentiating biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties showed that strain M1-83 T represents a novel Paracoccusspecies, for which the name Paracoccus haematequi sp. nov. (type strain M1-83 T =LMG 30633 T =CIP 111624 T =CCM 8857 T ), is proposed.

Three strains of a Gram-stain negative bacterium were isolated from Lake Michigan water. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain 1131 had sequence similarities to Bosea vaviloviae LMG 28367 T , Bosea lathyri LMG 26379 T , Bosea lupini LMG 26383 T , Bosea eneae CCUG 43111 T , Bosea vestrisii CCUG 43114 T and Boseamassiliensis CCUG 43117 T of 99.8, 99.1, 98.4, 98.4, 98.4 and 98.2 %, respectively. The average nucleotide identity value between strain 1131 T and Bosea vaviloviae Vaf-18 T was 93.4 % and the DNA relatedness was 38 %. The primary cellular fatty acids of strain 1131 T were C16 : 1ω7c and C18 : 1ω7c. The primary polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine. The major compound in the quinone system was ubiquinone Q-10 and in the polyamine pattern sym-homospermidine was predominant. Additional phenotypic characteristics included growth at 5-35 °C, pH values of pH 5.5-8.0, a salt tolerance range of 0.0-1.2 % (w/v), and production of an unknown water soluble brown pigment. After phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic analyses, this isolate was identified as a novel species for which the name Bosea psychrotolerans is proposed. The type strain is 1131 T (NRRL B-65405=LMG 30034).

The species Arthrobacterendophyticus is phylogenetically placed within the Glutamicibacter clade and shares 97.3-98.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the species of this genus. The quinone system with the major menaquinone MK-9 and the peptidoglycan amino acids alanine, glutamic acid and lysine are consistent with the characteristics of the members of the genus Glutamicibacter but the polar lipid profile with phosphatidylinositol distinguishes A. endophyticus from species of the genus Glutamicibacter. Re-analysis of both peptidoglycan structure and polar lipid profile revealed peptidoglycan type l-Lys-l-Ala-l-Glu (A11.35) and a polar lipid profile lacking phosphatidylinositol. These traits are consistent with those of representatives of the genus Glutamicibacter and distinguish A. endophyticus from members of the genus Arthrobacter sensu stricto. Due to its phylogenetic position and congruence with the key characteristics of members of the genus Glutamicibacter we here propose the reclassification of Arthrobacter endophyticus as a species of the genus Glutamicibacter, Glutamicibacter endophyticus comb. nov. (EGI 6500322 T =DSM 28750 T =KCTC 29490 T =JCM 30091 T ).

Bacteria isolated from lesions as well as apparently normal tissues of psittacine birds have previously been reported as taxon 37 and taxon 44 of Bisgaard. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed a distant relationship to members of Pasteurellaceae at the species, genus and family levels. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major components phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. A new family Psittacicellaceae fam. nov. is proposed with the type genus Psittacicella gen. nov. The new genus Psittacicella includes the type species Psittacicella melopsittaci sp. nov. with type strain B96/4 T (=CCUG 70858 T =DSM 105476 T ), Psittacicella hinzii sp. nov. with type strain 111 T (=CCUG 52861 T =CCM 8842 T ) and Psittacicella gerlachiana sp. nov. with type strain EEAB3T1 T (=CCUG 70857 T =DSM 105477 T ). In addition to the major polar lipids, strain 111 T possessed the non-identified aminophospholipids APL1 and APL2 and trace amounts of four lipids (L1-L4) whereas strain B94/4 T showed the minor unidentified aminophospholipids APL3 and APL2 and trace amounts of unidentified lipid L3. These results demonstrate that strain B96/4 T can be distinguished from 111 T based on presence/absence of the unidentified lipids APL1 and APL3. The total polar lipid profile of strain EEAB3T1 T differed from B96/4 T only in one minor lipid. Strain B96/4 T can further be distinguished from 111 T by acid formation from trehalose and raffinose and the α-glucosidase test. Strains 111 T and EEAB3T1 T can be separated based on acid formation from trehalose and the α-glucosidase test. Strains B96/4 T and EEAB3T1 T can be separated by acid formation from raffinose and eight signature indels in the RpoB protein.

At the Valencia Plenary meeting on 7-9 July, 2017, the Working Group on the organization and structure of the ICSP recommended amendment of the Statutes of the ICSP (Dijkshoorn L. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68: 2104-2110). In October 2017, our Executive-Secretary, Lenie Dijkshoorn, sent out a call for participation in this working group, which began work in December, 2017. The members included William B. Whitman, Carolee Bull, Hans-Jürgen Busse, Pierre-Edouard Fournier, Aharon Oren, and Stefano Ventura. During the Winter and Spring, 2018, a large number of revisions were discussed by the working group. In addition, comments were solicited from Dan Brown [Secretary for Subcommittees on Taxonomy], Iain Sutcliffe [Chair ICSP], Fanus Venter [Member at Large, EB-ICSP], and Martha Trujillo [Editor-in-Chief of IJSEM]. The draft Statutes were then presented to the Executive Board [EB] at its online meeting on May 31, 2018. The EB asked that the working group circulate the draft to the members of the ICSP for comments for 45 days and that comments be returned by July 27, 2018. After that time, the working group incorporated additional suggestions before the final submission to IJSEM for publication. According to our current statutes, there will then be a period of 90 days following publication for further deliberation before a vote by the ICSP members.

The novel strain IHBB 11108 T was a psychrotolerant and alkaliphilic bacterium isolated from the subsurface water of Chandra Tal Lake in the Lahaul-Spiti valley located in the Indian trans-Himalayas. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. The strain grew at 5-37 °C (optimum 28 °C), pH 5.0-12.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with up to 8 % NaCl (optimum 1 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed the highest relatedness of strain IHBB 11108 T with Psychromicrobium silvestre DSM 102047 T (97.5 %), Arthrobacter russicus DSM 14555 T (97.4 %) and Renibacterium salmoninarum ATCC 33209 T (97.4 %). The strain contained a quinone system with 57.2 % MK-9(H2), 39.1 % MK-10(H2), 3.0 % MK-8(H2) and 0.7 % MK-7(H2). The polar lipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, dimannosylglyceride, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, one unidentified glycolipid and four unidentified lipids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan structure type was A3α l-Lys-l-Thr-l-Ala with substitution of the α-carboxyl group of d-Glu by alanine amide. Anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 were the predominant fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 59.0 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness of strain IHBB 11108 T was 46.7±2.2, 43.1±2.5 and 19.1±2.4 % with P. silvestre DSM 102047 T , A. russicus DSM 14555 T and R. salmoninarum ATCC 33209 T , respectively. On the basis of the results of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, IHBB 11108 T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Psychromicrobium for which the name Psychromicrobium lacuslunae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IHBB 11108 T (=MTCC 12460 T =MCC 2780 T =JCM 31143 T =KACC 19070 T ).

A group of rod-shaped, aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, gliding bacteria producing flexirubin-type pigment was isolated from environmental samples collected in Antarctica in 2009-2014. Phylogenetic analysis of the almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed two separated branches belonging to the genus Flavobacterium. Group I (n=8), represented by strain CCM 8826 T , shared the highest sequence similarity to Flavobacterium collinsii 983-08 T (98.8 %) and Flavobacterium saccharophilum DSM 1811 T (98.4 %), and group II (n=4) represented by strain CCM 8827 T shared the highest similarity to Flavobacterium aquidurense WB 1.1-56 T (99.6 %). High genetic homogeneity of both groups, separation from each other and from phylogenetically close Flavobacterium species was verified by the rep-PCR fingerprinting method. DNA-DNA hybridization confirmed low genomic relatedness between strain CCM 8826 T and F. collinsii 983-08 T and F. saccharophilum DSM 1811 T (18 and 28 %, respectively) and between strain CCM 8827 T and F. aquidurense WB 1.1-56 T (27 %). Chemotaxonomic analyses of strains CCM 8826 T and CCM 8827 T revealed the respiratory quinone to be MK-6, the major identified polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine and the predominant polyamine was sym-homospermidine. The common major fatty acids were C15 : 0 iso, C17 : 0 iso 3OH, C15 : 1 iso G, Summed Feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c), C15 : 0 iso 3OH and additionally, C15 : 0 anteiso among group II members. All analyses confirmed that strains of group I and II represent two novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the names Flavobacterium chryseum sp. nov. (type strain CCM 8826 T =P3160 T =LMG 30615 T ) and Flavobacterium psychroterrae sp. nov. (type strain CCM 8827 T =P3922 T =LMG 30616 T ) are proposed.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, and orange-yellow pigmented bacterium, designated strain AFPH31 T , was isolated from internal tissues of the scleractinian coral Pocillopora damicornis, cultured in a marine aquarium system at the Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the strain within the monophyletic cluster of the genus Winogradskyella and showed highest sequence similarity to type strains of the species Winogradskyella eximia (96.6 %), Winogradskyella wandonensis (96.4 %), and Winogradskyella damuponensis (96.4 %). The strain grew well at 15-37 °C (optimum 25 °C), in the presence of 0.5-8.5 % NaCl (optimum 2 %), and at pH 5.5-8.5 (optimum pH 6.0-7.5). The major cellular fatty acids of strain AFPH31 T were iso-C15 : 0 (22.0 %), iso-C15 : 1 G (16.9 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (14.9 %), and anteiso-C15 : 0 (11.9 %). The major compound in the polyamine pattern was sym-homospermidine. The quinone system contained predominantly menaquinone MK-6. The polar lipid profile contained predominantly phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid, and two unidentified lipids lacking a functional group. The genomic DNA G+C content was 36.8 mol%. According to the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic analyses we propose a novel species of the genus Winogradskyella named Winogradskyella pocilloporae sp. nov. The type strain is AFPH31 T (=CCM 8816 T =CIP 111546 T ).

A yellow-pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (strain KSS165-70 T ) was isolated from a coolant lubricant emulsion. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain KSS165-70 T showed high sequence similarity to the type strains of Novosphingobium subterraneum (98.1 %), Novosphingobium lentum (97.9 %) and Novosphingobium taihuense (97.8 %). Sequence similarities to type strains of all other Novosphingobium species were below 97.5 %. Ubiquinone Q-10 was detected as the major respiratory quinone. The predominant fatty acid C18 : 1ω7c and the typical 2-hydroxy fatty acid C14 : 0 2-OH were detected. The polar lipid profile contained the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatedylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylcholine and two unidentified phospholipids. The polyamine pattern contained the major compound spermidine. Characterization by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, physiological parameters, pigment analysis, and ubiquinone, polar lipid and fatty acid composition revealed that strain KSS165-70 T represents a new species of the genus Novosphingobium. For this reason, we propose the name Novosphingobium lubricantis sp. nov. with the type strain KSS165-70 T (=CIP 111490 T =CCM 8814 T ).

The original description of Arthrobacter nasiphocae M597/99/10 T demonstrated that it is distantly related to the type species of the genus Arthrobacter, Arthrobacter globiformis, and that this phylogenetic relationship is reflected by the distinct peptidoglycan type [Lys-Ala2-Gly2-3-Ala(Gly)] and the features of the quinone system, which is composed of menaquinones MK-9(H2) and MK-8(H2). Here, we report a re-evaluation of the taxonomic status of A. nasiphocae. Phylogenetically, it was observed to be only distantly related to the genus Arthrobacter and to the type species of related genera. Re-analysis confirmed the quinone system menaquinones MK-9(H2) and MK-8(H2) in A. nasiphocae. Analysis of cell polar lipids showed a profile consisting of the predominant lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, dimannosylglyceride, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified aminophosphoglycolipid, and several minor unidentified lipids. This profile clearly is different from that of Arthrobacter species. The cell fatty acid profile also showed characteristics that distinguished A. nasiphocae from Arthrobacter species. The phylogenetic distance of A. nasiphocae from any type species of genera within the family Micrococcaceae and the distinct chemotaxonomic traits warrant the reclassification of A. nasiphocae within a novel genus, for which we propose the name Falsarthrobacter nasiphocae gen. nov., comb. nov. The type strain is M597/99/10 T (=CCUG 42953 T =CIP 107054 T =DSM 13988 T =JCM 11677 T ).

A beige-pigmented bacterial strain, SB30-Chr27-3 T , isolated from a garden pond, was studied for its taxonomic position. Cells of the isolate were rod-shaped and stained Gram-negative. A comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence with the sequences of the type strains of the most closely related species showed that the strain belongs to the genus Comamonas and showed highest sequence similarities to the type strains of Comamonas jiangduensis (97.5 %), Comamonas aquatica (97.4 %) and Comamonas phosphati (97.3 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to all other Comamonas species were below 97.0 %. The fatty acid profile of strain SB30-Chr27-3 T consisted of the major fatty acids C16 : 0, C15 : 0iso 2-OH/ C16 : 1ω7c, C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω9c and, in a minor amount, C10 : 0 3-OH. Major compounds in the polar lipid profile were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine and diphosphatidylglycerol. The quinone system was exclusively composed of ubiquinone Q-8. The polyamine pattern contained the major compounds putrescine, cadaverine and 2-hydroxyputrescine. These data and the differentiating biochemical properties indicated that isolate SB30-CHR27-3 T represents a novel species of the genus Comamonas, for which we propose the name >Comamonas aquatilis sp. nov. with the type strain SB30-Chr27-3 T (=CIP 111491 T =CCM 8815 T ).

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterium isolated from a coolant lubricant was studied for its taxonomic allocation. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain KSS164-79 T shared highest similarity (92.3-92.4 %) to type strains of the species Marinicrinis sediminis,Paenibacillus dongdonensis, Paenibacillus abyssi and Paenibacillus motobuensis. In phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene, strain KSS164-79 T always formed a distinct cluster with the type strain of M. sediminis. The fatty acid profile supported the grouping of the strain to the genus Marinicrinis. As major fatty acids, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 were detected. The polar lipid profile contained the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified glycolipids. The major quinone was menaquinone MK-7. In addition, physiological and biochemical test results allowed the clear phenotypic differentiation of strain KSS164-79 T from M. sediminis. Hence, KSS164-79 T represents a novel species of the genus Marinicrinis, for which the name Marinicrinis lubricantis sp. nov. is proposed, with KSS164-79 T (=DSM 104943 T =LMG 30062 T =CCM 8749 T =CIP 111345 T ) as the type strain.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-endospore-forming organism, isolated from the rhizosphere sand of a coastal sand dune plant was studied for its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain YU-PRIM-29 T was grouped within the genus Halomonas and was most closely related to Halomonas johnsoniae (97.5 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to other Halomonas species was <97.5 %. Strain YU-PRIM-29 T grew optimally at 28 °C (growth range, 10-36 °C), at a pH of 7-9 (growth range, pH 5.5-12.0) and in the presence of 0.5 to 5 % (w/v) NaCl (growth up to 20 % NaCl). The fatty acid profile from whole-cell hydrolysates supported the allocation of the strain to the genus Halomonas. The fatty acids C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 were found as major compounds, followed by the hydroxylated fatty acid C12 : 0 3-OH. The quinone system consisted predominantly of ubiquinone Q-9. The polar lipid profile was composed of the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. In the polyamine pattern, spermidine was the predominant compound. The DNA G+C content was 64.8 mol%. In addition, the results of physiological and biochemical tests also allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain YU-PRIM-29 T from its closest-related species. Hence, YU-PRIM-29 T represents a new species of the genus Halomonas, for which we propose the name Halomonas malpeensis sp. nov., with YU-PRIM-29 T (=LMG 28855 T =CCM 8737 T ) as the type strain.

A bright-orange-pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, motile, and rod-shaped bacterium, strain MAA42 T , was isolated from a marine sponge of the genus Haliclona, which is in long-time culture in a marine aquarium system at the Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany. The strain grew at 4-34 °C (optimum 28 °C), in the presence of 0.5-9.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 3.5 %) and at pH 4.5-10.0 (optimum pH 7.5). Strain MAA42 T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.1 %) with the type strain of Litorimonas taeanensis. Sequence similarities to all other closely related type strains were below 97 %. DNA-DNA hybridization of strain MAA42 T with L. taeanensis DSM 22008 T resulted in values of 4.7 % (reciprocal 17.7 %). Major cellular fatty acids of strain MAA42 T were C18 : 1ω7c (66.2 %), C18 : 1 2-OH (17.4 %), and C18 : 0 (14.1 %). Spermidine was predominant in the polyamine pattern, and ubiquinone Q-10 was the major respiratory quinone. The polar lipid profile contained the major compounds phosphatidylglycerol, monoglycosyldiglyceride, three unidentified phospholipids, and one unidentified glycolipid. Glucuronopyranosyldiglyceride was present as a minor compound. The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 52.8 mol%. Based on the genotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic analyses, strain MAA42 T represents a novel species of the genus Litorimonas, for which the name Litorimonas haliclonae is proposed. The type strain is MAA42 T (=CCM 8709 T =CIP 111178 T =LMG 29765 T ).

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, designated KH87 T , was isolated from a fishing hook that had been baited and suspended in seawater off O'ahu, Hawai'i. Based on a comparison of 1524 nt of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain KH87 T , its nearest neighbours were the GammaproteobacteriaRheinheimera nanhaiensis E407-8 T (96.2 % identity), Rheinheimera chironomi K19414 T (96.0 %), Rheinheimera pacifica KMM 1406 T (95.8 %), Rheinheimera muenzenbergensis E49 T (95.7 %), Alishewanella solinquinati KMK6 T (94.9 %) and Arsukibacterium ikkense GCM72 T (94.6 %). Cells of KH87 T were motile by a single polar flagellum, strictly aerobic, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth occurred between 4 and 39 °C, and in a circumneutral pH range. Major fatty acids in whole cells of strain KH87 T were cis-9-hexadecenoic acid, hexadecanoic acid and cis-11-octadecenoic acid. The quinone system contained mostly menaquinone MK-7, and a minor amount of ubiquinone Q-8. The polar lipid profile contained the major lipids phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid, and a lipid not containing phosphate, an amino group or a sugar moiety. Putrescine was the major polyamine. Physiological, biochemical and genomic data, including obligate halophily, absence of amylolytic activity, a quinone system dominated by MK-7 and DNA G+C content (42.0 mol%) distinguished KH87 T from extant Rheinheimera species; strain KH87 T was also distinguished by a multi-locus sequence analysis of aligned and concatenated 16S rRNA, gyrB, rpoB and rpoD gene sequences. Based on phenotypic and genotypic differences, the species Rheinheimera salexigens sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate KH87 T as the type strain (=ATCC BAA-2715 T =CIP 111115 T ). An emended description of the genus Rheinheimera is also proposed.