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Haloarchaeal cultures were isolated from solar salterns of Goa and Tamil Nadu and designated as BS2, BBK2 and E3. These isolates grew with a characteristic bright orange to pink pigmentation and were capable of growing in media containing upto 25% (w/vol) NaCl. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the three haloarchaeal strains BS2, BBK2 and E3 indicated an assembled genomic size of 4.1 Mb, 3.8 Mb and 4 Mb with G + C content of 61.8, 65.6 and 59.8% respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the archaeal isolates belong to Haloarcula, Haloferax and Halogeometricum genera. Haloarcula rubripromontorii BS2  was predicted to have 4292 genes with 4242 CDS regions, 46 tRNAs, 6 rRNAs and 3 misc_RNAs. In case of Haloferax lucentense  BBK2,, 3840 genes with 3780 CDS regions were detected along with 52 tRNAs, 5 rRNAs and 3 misc_RNAs. Halogeometricum borinquense  E3 contained 4101 genes, 4043 CDS regions, 52 tRNAs, 4 rRNAs, and 2 misc_RNAs. The functional annotation and curation of the haloarchaeal genome, revealed C50 carotenoid biosynthetic genes like phytoene desaturase/carotenoid 3' -4' desaturase (crtI), lycopene elongase (ubiA/lyeJ) and carotenoid biosynthesis membrane protein (cruF) in the three isolates. Whereas crtD (C-3',4' desaturase), crtY (lycopene cyclase) and brp/blh (β-carotene dioxygenase) genes were identified only in BS2., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Four halophilic archaeal strains YCN1 T , YCN58 T , LT38 T , and LT62 T were isolated from Yuncheng Salt Lake (Shanxi, China) and Tarim Basin (Xinjiang, China), respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses showed that these four strains tightly cluster with related species of Halobacterium, Natronomonas, Halorientalis, and Halobellus, respectively. The AAI, ANI, and dDDH values between these four strains and their related species of respective genera were lower than the proposed threshold values for species delineation. Strains YCN1 T , YCN58 T , LT38 T , and LT62 T could be differentiated from the current species of Halobacterium, Natronomonas, Halorientalis, and Halobellus, respectively, based on the comparison of diverse phenotypic characteristics. The polar lipid profiles of these four strains were closely similar to those of respective relatives within the genera Halobacterium, Natronomonas, Halorientalis, and Halobellus, respectively. The phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genome-based analyses indicated that strains YCN1 T , YCN58 T , LT38 T , and LT62 T represent respective novel species within the genera Halobacterium, Natronomonas, Halorentalis, and Halobellus, for which the names Halobacterium yunchengense sp. nov., Natronomonas amylolytica sp. nov., Halorientalis halophila sp. nov., and Halobellus salinisoli sp. nov. are proposed, respectively., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Japan KK.)

Four halophilic archaeal strains, BCD28 T , BND7 T , PSR21 T , and PSRA2 T , were isolated from coastal and inland saline soil, respectively. The 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequence similarities among these four strains and current species of Halomarina were 95.9-96.6% and 86.9-90.3%, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses revealed that these four strains tightly cluster with the current species of the genus Halomarina. The AAI, ANI, and dDDH values among these four strains and current species of Halomarina were 65.3-68.4%, 75.8-77.7%, and 20.3-22.0%, respectively, clearly below the threshold values for species demarcation. Strains BCD28 T , BND7 T , PSR21 T , and PSRA2 T could be differentiated from the current species of Halomarina based on the comparison of diverse phenotypic characteristics. The major polar lipids of these four strains were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), and four to five glycolipids. Phosphatidylglycerol sulfate (PGS) was only detected in strain BND7 T . The phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genome-based analyses suggested that strains BCD28 T (= CGMCC 1.18776 T  = JCM 34908 T ), BND7 T (= CGMCC 1.18778 T  = JCM 34910 T ), PSR21 T (= CGMCC 1.17027 T  = JCM 34147 T ), and PSRA2 T (= CGMCC 1.17214 T  = JCM 34148 T ) represent four novel species of the genus Halomarina, for which the names Halomarina litorea sp. nov., Halomarina pelagica sp. nov., Halomarina halobia sp. nov., and Halomarina ordinaria sp. nov. are proposed., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

A halophilic archaeal strain, designated C46 T , was isolated from an inland salt lake in Qinghai Province, PR China. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain C46 T belongs to the genus Halobaculum , and the closest phylogenetic relative is Halobaculum gomorrense DSM 9297 T with 97.7 % similarity. Despite this, strain C46 T was more related to Halobaculum saliterrae WSA2 T than other members of the genus Halobaculum based on genome comparison and analysis, and the average nucleotide identity, in silico DNA-DNA hybridization, amino acid identity and percentage of conserved protein values between the two strains were 89.1, 53.3, 89.2 and 75.6 %, respectively, which are lower than the cutoff values proposed for species delimitation. The physiological, biochemical, genetic and genomic characteristics of strain C46 T were different from those of its closest phylogenetic neighbours, which indicated that this strain represents a novel species of the genus Halobaculum , for which the name Halobaculum rubrum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C46 T (=CGMCC 1.13737 T =JCM 32959 T ).

Two halophilic archaeal strains, Gai3-2 T and NJ-3-1 T , were isolated from salt lake and saline soil samples, respectively, collected in PR China. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains were 97.5% similar to each other. Strains Gai3-2 T and NJ-3-1 T had the highest sequence similarities to ' Halobonum tyrrellense ' G22 (96.7 and 97.8%, respectively), and displayed similarities of 91.5-93.5% and 92.3-94.7%, respectively, to Halobaculum members. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two strains formed different branches and clustered tightly with ' H. tyrrellense ' G22 and Halobaculum members. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), in silico DNA-DNA hybridization ( is DDH) and amino acid identity (AAI) values between the two strains were 83.1, 26.9 and 77.9%, respectively, much lower than the threshold values proposed as a species boundary. These values between the two strains and ' H. tyrrellense ' G22 (ANI 77.9-78.2%, is DDH 22.5-22.6% and AAI 68.8-69.3%) and Halobaculum members (ANI 77.53-77.63%, is DDH 21.8-22.3% and AAI 68.4-69.4%) were almost identical, and much lower than the recommended threshold values for species delimitation. These results suggested that strains Gai3-2 T and NJ-3-1 T represent two novel species of Halobaculum . Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strains Gai3-2 T (=CGMCC 1.16080 T =JCM 33550 T ) and NJ-3-1 T (=CGMCC 1.16040 T =JCM 33552 T ) represent two novel species of the genus Halobaculum , for which the name Halobaculum halophilum sp. nov. and Halobaculum salinum sp. nov. are proposed.

A haloalkaliphilic strain JWXQ-INN-674 T was isolated from the water sample of a soda lake in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Cells of the strain were coccoid, motile, and strictly aerobic. The strain was able to grow in presence of 2.6-5.4 M NaCl (optimum concentration is 3.4 M) at 30-50 °C (optimum temperature is 42 °C) and pH 7-9.5 (optimum pH is 9.0). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain JWXQ-INN-674 T showed 95.3-96.6% similarity to members of the genus Natronorubrum of the family Natrialbaceae. The whole genome sequencing of strain JWXQ-INN-674 T revealed a genome size of 4.56 M bp and a DNA G + C content of 62.5 mol%. Genome relatedness of strain JWXQ-INN-674 T and other species in the genus Natronorubrum was analyzed by average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization with the values of 76.8-90.6 and 23.1-39.3%, respectively. The strain possessed the polar lipids phosphatidylglycerol and methylated phosphatidylglycerol phosphate lipid. No glycolipids were detected. Based on phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic properties and genome relatedness, the isolate was proposed as the type strain of a novel species of genus Natronorubrum, Natronorubrum halalkaliphilum sp. nov. (type strain JWXQ-INN-674 T  = CGMCC 1.17283 T  = JCM 34245 T ).

A polyphasic study was undertaken to determine the taxonomic position of two halophilic archaeal strains, TH32 T and YPL4 T , isolated from saline soil and a salt mine in PR China, respectively. Strains TH32 T and YPL4 T both have two dissimilar 16S rRNA genes. The two strains exhibited sequence similarities of 91.5-95.5 % for 16S rRNA genes and 90.9 % for the rpoB' gene. Sequence similarities of 16S rRNA genes and the rpoB' gene between the two strains and the current four members of Halosimplex were 90.6-97.4 % and 91.4-93.5 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two strains formed different branches separating them from the current Halosimplex members. Several phenotypic characteristics differentiate strains TH32 T and YPL4 T from current Halosimplex members. The polar lipids of the two strains are phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and four glycolipids. Two of the glycolipids are chromatographically identical to disulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether, respectively, and the remaining two glycolipids are unidentified. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values between the two strains and the current members of Halosimplex (ANI 80.4-89.2 % and in silico DDH 24.0-41.8 %) were much lower than the threshold values proposed as a species boundary, suggesting that the two strains represent novel species of Halosimplex . The values between the two strains (ANI 81.3 % and in silico DDH 24.9 %) were also much lower than the recommended threshold values, which revealed that the two strains represent two genomically different species of Halosimplex . These results showed that strains TH32 T (=CGMCC 1.15190 T =JCM 30840 T ) and YPL4 T (=CGMCC 1.15329 T =JCM 31108 T ) represent two novel species of Halosimplex , for which the names Halosimplex halophilum sp. nov. and Halosimplex salinum sp. nov. are proposed.

A haloalkaliphilic strain XQ-INN 246 T was isolated from the sediment of a salt pond in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Cells of the strain were rods, motile and strictly aerobic. The strain was able to grow in the presence of 2.6-5.3 M NaCl (optimum concentration is 4.4 M) at 30-50 °C (optimum temperature is 42 °C) and pH 7.0-10.0 (optimum pH is 8.0-8.5). The whole genome sequencing of strain XQ-INN 246 T revealed a genome size of 4.52 Mbp and a DNA G+C content of 62.06 mol%. Phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and concatenated amino acid sequences of 122 single-copy conserved proteins revealed a robust lineage of the strain XQ-INN 246 T with members of related genera of the family Natrialbaceae . The strain possessed the polar lipids of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester. No glycolipids were detected. Based on phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic properties and genome relatedness, the isolate was proposed as the type strain of a novel species of a new genus within the family Natrialbaceae, for which the name Salinadaptatus halalkaliphilus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XQ-INN 246 T (=CGMCC 1.16692 T =JCM 33751 T ).

Two halophilic archaeal strains, C90 T and YPL13 T , were isolated from a salt lake and a salt mine in PR China. The two strains were found to form two clusters (97.5 and 89.5 % similarity between them, respectively) separating them from the three current members of the genus Natronomonas (95.4-97.0 % and 86.6-89.3 % similarity, respectively) on the basis of the 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequence similarities and phylogenetic analysis. Diverse phenotypic characteristics differentiate strains C90 T and YPL13 T from current Natronomonas members. The polar lipids of strain C90 T were phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), phosphatidylglycerol sulphate, two unidentified glycolipids, a major glycolipid and a minor glycolipid, while those of strain YPL13 T were PG, PGP-Me, two unidentified phospholipids and a glycolipid. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization ( is DDH) values between the two strains were 79.8 and 27.1 %, respectively, which were much lower than the threshold values proposed as a species boundaries (ANI 95-96 % and is DDH 70 %), which revealed that the two strains represent two novel species; these values (ANI 76.6-80.0 % and is DDH 21.6-27.0 %) of the strains examined in this study and the current members of Natronomonas are much lower than the recommended threshold values, suggesting that strains C90 T and YPL13 T represent two genomically different species of Natronomonas . These results showed that strains C90 T (=CGMCC 1.13738 T =JCM 32961 T ) and YPL13 T (=CGMCC 1.13884 T =JCM 31111 T ) represent two novel species of Natronomonas , for which the names Natronomonas halophila sp. nov. and Natronomonas salina sp. nov. are proposed.

A halophilic archaeon, strain H22 T , was isolated from a subterranean salt deposit sampled at Yunnan salt mine, PR China. Colonies of strain H22 T were light pink-pigmented. Cells were coccus, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative, and did not lyse in distilled water. The strain was aerobic and grew at 20-55 °C (optimum, 37 °C), in the presence of 10-30 % (w/v) NaCl (20 %) and at pH 6.5-9.0 (pH 7.0). Mg 2+ was required for growth (optimum, 0.005 M). Major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and sulfated mannosyl-glucosyl-glycerol diether-1. Sequence similarity search based on the multiple 16S rRNA genes ( rrnA , rrnB and rrnC ) of strain H22 T revealed that it was most closely related to species of the genera Haloarchaeobius , Haladaptatus , Halorussus and Halorubellus with relative low sequence similarities (91.9-93.7 %). The strain, however, shared highest rpoB' gene sequence identities with Halorussus rarus TBN4 T (90.8 % rpoB' gene sequence similarity). Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequences revealed a robust lineage of the strain H22 T with members of related genera of the family Halobacteriaceae . The DNA G+C content of strain H22 T was 62.9 mol%. Genome-based analysis of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) between strains H22 T and its closest relative were equal or lower than 77.7 and 22.4 %, respectively, which were far below the threshold for delineation of a new species. Based on ANI values, in silico DDH, and distinct morphological and physiological differences from the previously described taxa, we suggest that strain H22 T represents a novel species of a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae , for which the name Halomicrococcus hydrotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H22 T (=CGMCC 1.16291 T =NBRC 113231 T ).

Three novel carbon monoxide-oxidizing Halobacteria were isolated from Bonneville Salt Flats (Utah, USA) salt crusts and nearby saline soils. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains PCN9 T , WSA2 T and WSH3 T belong to the genera Halobacterium , Halobaculum and Halovenus , respectively. Strains PCN9 T , WSA2 T and WSH3 T grew optimally at 40 °C (PCN9 T ) or 50 °C (WSA2 T , WSH3 T ). NaCl optima were 3 M (PCN9 T , WSA2 T ) or 4 M NaCl (WSH3 T ). Carbon monoxide was oxidized by all isolates, each of which contained a molybdenum-dependent CO dehydrogenase. G+C contents for the three respective isolates were 66.75, 67.62, and 63.97 mol% as derived from genome analyses. The closest phylogenetic relatives for PCN9 T , WSA2 T and WSH3 T were Halobacterium noricense A1 T , Halobaculum roseum D90 T and Halovenus aranensis EB27 T with 98.71, 98.19 and 95.95 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. Genome comparisons of PCN9 T with Halobacterium noricense A1 T yielded an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 82.0% and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value of 25.7 %; comparisons of WSA2 T with Halobaculum roseum D90 T yielded ANI and dDDH values of 86.34 and 31.1 %, respectively. The ANI value for a comparison of WSH3 T with Halovenus aranensis EB27 T was 75.2 %. Physiological, biochemical, genetic and genomic characteristics of PCN9 T , WSA2 T and WSH3 T differentiated them from their closest phylogenetic neighbours and indicated that they represent novel species for which the names Halobaculum bonnevillei , Halobaculum saliterrae and Halovenus carboxidivorans are proposed, respectively. The type strains are PCN9 T (=JCM 32472=LMG 31022=ATCC TSD-126), WSA2 T (=JCM 32473=ATCC TSD-127) and WSH3 T (=JCM 32474=ATCC TSD-128).

A novel archaeal strain designated as SPP-AMP-1 T was isolated from saltpan soil, using the serial dilution method on a halophilic archaeal medium supplemented with ampicillin. Cells were both rod-shaped and pleomorphic in nature, non-motile, unable to produce acid from a variety of sugars or grow anaerobically with different substrates (l-arginine) and electron acceptors (DMSO, nitrate). Optimal growth was observed at 42 °C, 3.4-4.2 M NaCl and pH 7.2. Cells did not lyse in distilled water and grew in the absence of Mg 2+ ions. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequences of 16S rRNA gene, amino acid sequence of β'-subunit of RNA polymerase and 400 conserved proteins retrieved from the whole genome assemblies showed that strain SPP-AMP-1 T was distantly related to any existing genera within the family Halobacteriaceae . MK-8 was the only quinone detected. Polar lipid analysis showed a unique combination of diethyl derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, glycosyl-mannosyl-glucosyl diether and sulphated glycosyl-mannosyl-glucosyl diether as the major lipids. The G+C content of genomic DNA is 57.7 mol%. The phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic data supported the concept of the novel genus status of strain SPP-AMP-1 T in the family Halobacteriaceae for which the name Halocatena pleomorpha gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed; the type strain is SPP-AMP-1 T (=JCM 31368 T =KCTC 4276 T =MTCC 12579 T ).

Two extremely halophilic archaea strains, CBA1112 T and CBA1113, were isolated from solar salt in Korea. The genome sizes and G+C content of CBA1112 T and CBA1113 were 3.77 and 3.53Mb, and 66.0 and 66.5mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on closely related taxa and environmental Haloplanus sequences indicated that both CBA1112 T and CBA1113 strains are grouped within the genus Haloplanus. OrthoANI and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values were below the species delineation threshold. Pan-genomic analysis showed that the two novel strains and four reference strains had 6203 pan-orthologous groups in total. Six Haloplanus strains shared 1728 core pan-genome orthologous groups, which were mainly associated with amino acid transport and metabolism and translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis categories, and amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism related categories. The novel strain-specific pan-genome orthologous groups were mainly involved with replication, recombination and repair category and replication and repair pathway or amino acid metabolism pathway. Cells of both strains were Gram-negative and pleomorphic, and colonies were red-pigmented. The major polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, and one glycolipid, sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether. Based on genomic, phylogenetic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic features, strains CBA1112 T and CBA1113 are described as novel species of the genus Haloplanus. Thus, we propose the name Haloplanus rubicundus sp. nov. The type strain is CBA1112 T (=KCCM 43224 T =JCM 30475 T )., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

A haloarchaeal strain (ESP3B_9 T ) was isolated from the salt pan of Sambhar salt lake, Rajasthan, India. Cells were coccoid, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative and formed reddish-pink pigmented colonies. The strain was aerobic, able to grow at 35-55 °C (optimum, 40 °C), in 20-35 % (25 %) NaCl and pH 8-10 (pH 9). Mg 2+ not required for growth. The cells were lysed in distilled water and the minimum NaCl concentration that prevented cell lysis was 5 % w/v. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain ESP3B_9 T and Natrialba hulunbeirensis JCM 10989 T and Natrialba magadii ATCC 43099 T were 96.53 and 96.25 % respectively. The similarities of the RNA polymerase subunit B gene between strain ESP3B_9 T and N. hulunbeirensis JCM 10989 T and N. magadii ATCC 43099 T were 84.47 and 84.9 % respectively. Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 4.20 Mbp with DNA G+C content of 62.5 mol%. The major polar lipids were phosphotidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl esters with minor amounts of unidentified lipids. The results of polyphasic analysis determined that strain ESP3B_9 T represents a novel species of the genus Natrialba , for which the name Natrialba swarupiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ESP3B_9 T (MCC 3419 T =JCM 33002 T =KCTC 4279 T =CGMCC 1.16737 T ).

Three rod-shaped halophilic archaeal strains, DL-M4 T , LYG-109 and DLLS-108 T , were isolated from the salted brown alga Laminaria produced in different marine areas of PR China. Cells of strains were motile, formed red-pigmented colonies on agar and lysed in distilled water. The three strains grew optimally with 2.6 M NaCl, with 0.05-0.3 M MgCl 2 , at 37 °C and at pH 7.0-7.5. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA and rpoB' genes differentiated these strains into two clusters belonging to the genus Halostella , which currently contains Halostella salina CBA1114 T and Halostella limicola LT12 T . Strains DL-M4 T and LYG-109 formed a single cluster separate from the current two members of Halostella (94.4-95.7 and 90.0-90.9 % similarities, respectively) while strain DLLS-108 T had Hsl. salina CBA1114 T as its nearest neighbour (97.7-97.8 and 95.9 % similarities, respectively) and was separated from Hsl. limicola LT12 T (94.4-95.8 and 93.4 % similarities, respectively). These clusters represented two distinct novel species as indicated by phenotypic characteristics, polar lipid compositions and whole-genome comparisons. Diverse phenotypic characteristics, morphology and growth characteristics, nutrition and miscellaneous biochemical tests differentiate strains DL-M4 T , LYG-109, DLLS-108 T from Hsl. limicola LT12 T and Hsl. salina CBA1114 T . Strains DL-M4 T and LYG-109 contained phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and three unidentified glycolipids, while strain DLLS-108 T contained these polar lipids and two unidentified phospholipids. The major respiratory quinones detected in the three isolates were menaquinone MK-8 and MK-8(H 2 ). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH) values between the isolated strains and the current two members of Halostella were found to be 79.3-86.6 (ANI) and 22.9-49.8 % (isDDH). All these results showed that the three isolates represent two novel species of the genus Halostella for which the names Halostella pelagica sp. nov. [type strain dl-M4 T (=CGMCC 1.13603 T =JCM 32954 T )] and Halostella litorea sp. nov. [type strain DLLS-108 T (=CGMCC 1.13610 T =JCM 32955 T )] are proposed.

Two halophilic archaeal strains, SHR37 T and NEN6, were isolated from salt lakes located in the Tibet and Xinjiang regions of China. The two strains were found to form a single cluster (99.9% and 99.3% similarity, respectively) separating them from the six current members of Natronorubrum (94.7-96.9% and 86.1-90.8% similarity, respectively) on the basis of the 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequence similarities and phylogenetic analysis. Diverse phenotypic characteristics differentiate strains SHR37 T and NEN6 from current Natronorubrum members. Their polar lipids are C 20 C 20 and C 20 C 25 glycerol diether derivatives of PG, PGP-Me, and a major gycolipid chromatographically identical to disulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S 2 -DGD). Four minor unidentified gycolipids are also present. The OrthoANI and in silico DDH values of the two strains were 97.3% and 76.1%, respectively, which were much higher than the threshold values proposed as a species boundary (ANI 95-96% and in silico DDH 70%), which revealed that the two strains represent one species; the two values (ANI 79.0-81.9% and in silico DDH 23.5-25.7%) of the strains examined in this study and the current members of Natronorubrum are much lower than the recommended threshold values, suggesting that strains SHR37 T and NEN6 represent a genomically different species of Natronorubrum. These results showed that strains SHR37 T (= CGMCC 1.15233 T = JCM 30845 T ) and NEN6 (= CGMCC 1.17161) represent a novel species of Natronorubrum, for which the name Natronorubrum halophilum sp. nov. is proposed.

An extremely halophilic archaeon, strain F13-25 T , was isolated from a marine saltern located in Isla Cristina, Huelva, on the south-west coast of Spain. The novel strain had pink-pigmented, non-motile, coccoid cells. Optimal growth was achieved at 25 % (w/v) NaCl, pH 7.5 and 37 °C. Strain F13-25 T possessed two heterogeneous 16S rRNA genes ( rrnA and rrnB ) most closely related to Halorientalis persicus D108 T (97.6-99.2 % sequence similarity) and Halorientalis regularis TNN28 T (95.9-98.8 %). On the basis of the results of rpoB' gene sequence analysis, strain F13-25 T was also closely related to Halorientalis persicus IBRC-M 10043 T (89.9 %) and Halorientalis regularis TNN28 T (92.3 %). Relatedness values, computed using the Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator, between strain F13-25 T and Halorientalis persicus IBRC-M 10043 T and Halorientalis regularis IBRC-M 10760 T were 34.6 and 36.2 %, respectively. Average nucleotide identity values based on orthoANI, ANIb and ANIm of strain F13-25 T and Halorientalis persicus IBRC-M 10043 T and Halorientalisregularis IBRC-M 10760 T were 88.0 and 88.8, 87.1 and 87.6 %, and 89.2 and 89.6 %, respectively. All values were far below the threshold accepted for prokaryotic species delineation. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and one glycolipid chromatographically identical to sulfated diglycosyl diether. The DNA G+C content was 65.7 mol% (genome). The results of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses indicated that strain F13-25 T represents a novel species of the genus Halorientalis , for which the name Halorientalis pallida sp. nov., with type strain F13-25 T (=CECT 9384 T =IBRC-M 11176 T ), is proposed.

A halophilic archaeaon, strain LT12 T , was isolated from saline soil sampled at the Tarim Basin, PR China. The novel strain stained Gram-negative, cells were rod-shaped, and formed light red-pigmented colonies on agar plate. Strain LT12 T grew optimally at 3.1 M NaCl, 0.05 M MgCl 2 , 37 °C and pH 7.5. The cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was 1.4 M. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA and rpoB' genes, strain LT12 T was most closely related to Halostella salina CBA1114 T (94.4-95.9  and 93.6 % similarities, respectively). The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain LT12 T and H. salina CBA1114 T were 81.0 and 24.3 %, respectively. The major polar lipids of strain LT12 T were phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and three unidentified glycolipids. The DNA G+C content was 67.2 mol % (genome). Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain LT12 T represents a novel species of the genus Halostella for which the name Halostellalimicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LT12 T (=CGMCC 1.14941 T =JCM 30667 T ).

A novel extremely halophilic strain, designated ZY19 T , was isolated from a rock salt sample from Yunnan salt mine, PR China. Strain ZY19 T is neutrophilic, non-motile and requires at least 10% (w/v) NaCl for growth. Optimal growth is observed at 20-25% (w/v) NaCl, pH 7.5-8.0 and 42 °C. Mg 2+ is not required for growth. The cells do not lyse in distilled water. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain ZY19 T belongs to the genus Haloterrigena (Htg.) and is closely related to Haloterrigena salina XH-65 T (98.5% sequence similarity) and Haloterrigena turkmenica DSM 5511 T (97.9%). Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis showed that strain ZY19 T clusters with the species Htg. salina and Htg. turkmenica forming an independent clade separated from other members of the genus. The value of genomic average nucleotide identity (ANI) between strains ZY19 T and its close relative, Htg. salina XH-65 T was 94.2%. DNA-DNA relatedness between strains ZY19 T and Htg. salina XH-65 T revealed by in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) was 56.3%. Both the ANI value and the degree of in silico DDH are below the accepted threshold for members of the same species. The major polar lipids were found to consist of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, sulfated diglycosyl-diether-1 and mannose-2, 6-disulfate (1 → 2)-glucose glycerol diether. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 64.5 mol%. Based on the results of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genetic similarity and inferred phylogeny, strain ZY19 T is distinct from other validly named species and thus represents a novel species within the genus Haloterrigena, for which the name Haloterrigena salifodinae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ZY19 T (=CGMCC 1.16114 T =NBRC 112981 T ).

Eight pure cultures of alkaliphilic haloaloarchaea capable of growth by dissimilatory sulfur reduction (previously only shown for neutrophilic haloarchaea) were isolated from hypersaline alkaline lakes in different geographic locations. These anaerobic enrichments, inoculated with sediments and brines, used formate, butyrate and peptone as electron donors and elemental sulfur as an electron acceptor 4 M total Na + and at pH 9-10. According to 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolates fell into two distinct groups. A major group, comprising seven obligate alkaliphilic isolates from highly alkaline soda lakes, represents a new species-level branch within the genus Natronolimnobius (order Natrialbales ), while a single moderately alkaliphilic isolate from the less alkaline Searles Lake forms a novel genus-level lineage within the order Haloferacales . The cells of the isolates are either flat rods or coccoid. They are facultative anaerobes using formate or H 2 (in the presence of acetate or yeast extract as carbon source), C 4 -C 9 fatty acids or peptone (the major group) as electron donors and either sulfur or DMSO (the major group) as electron acceptors. Aerobic growth is only possible with organic acids and peptone-yeast extract. All isolates are extreme halophiles, growing optimally at 4 M total Na + . On the basis of their unique physiological properties and distinct phylogeny, we propose that the seven isolates from the soda lakes are placed into a novel species, Natronolimnobiussulfurireducens sp. nov. (type strain AArc1 T =JCM 30663 T =UNIQEM U932 T ), and the Searles Lake isolate, AArc-Sl T , into a new genus and species Halalkaliarchaeum desulfuricum (=JCM 30664 T =UNIQEM U999 T ).

An extremely halophilic archaeon, designated strain GSM28 T , was isolated from a subterranean halite deposit in a Yunnan salt mine, China. Cells of the strain were observed to be cocci, non-motile and Gram-variable, and to require at least 15% (w/v) NaCl for growth (optimum 20%). Growth was found to occur in the ranges of 20-45 °C (optimum 42 °C) and pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum 7.5). Cells did not lyse in distilled water. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that this strain belongs to the genus Halalkalicoccus and shows 99.1% similarities with its close phylogenetic relative Halalkalicoccus paucihalophilus DSM 24557 T . Genomic ANI analysis showed that the DNA-DNA relatedness between strain GSM28 T and the closely related species Hac. paucihalophilus DSM 24557 T and Halalkalicoccus jeotgali B3 T was 83.7% and 83.1%, respectively. The major polar lipids were determined to be phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, sulfated mannosyl-glucosyl-glycerol diether-1 and two unidentified glycolipids. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 61.8 mol %. On the basis of physiological, biochemical tests and phylogenetic differentiations, strain GSM28 T is concluded to represent a novel species in the genus Halalkalicoccus, for which the name Halalkalicoccus subterraneus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GSM28 T (= CGMCC 1.16344 T  = NBRC 113432 T ).

Interesting optical and photochemical properties make microbial rhodopsin a promising biological material suitable for various applications, but the cost-prohibitive nature of production has limited its commercialization. The aim of this study was to explore the natural biodiversity of Indian solar salterns to isolate natural bacteriorhodopsin (BR) variants that can be functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. In this study, we report the isolation, functional expression and purification of BRs from three pigmented haloarchaea, wsp3 (water sample Pondicherry), wsp5 and K1 T isolated from two Indian solar salterns. The results of the 16S rRNA data analysis suggest that wsp3, wsp5 and K1 T are novel strains belonging to the genera Halogeometricum, Haloferax and Haloarcula respectively. Overall, the results of our study suggest that 17 N-terminal residues, that were not included in the gene annotation of the close sequence homologues, are essential for functional expression of BRs. The primary sequence, secondary structural content, thermal stability and absorbance spectral properties of these recombinant BRs are similar to those of the previously reported Haloarcula marismortui HmBRI. This study demonstrates the cost-effective, functional expression of BRs isolated from haloarchaeal species using E. coli as an expression host and paves the way for feasibility studies for future applications., (© 2019 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.)

A halophilic archaeon, strain F13-13 T , was isolated from a marine saltern located in Isla Cristina, Huelva, on the south-west coast of Spain. It was a Gram-stain-negative, motile and aerobic haloarchaeon. It grew at 28-50 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 6.0-8.5 (pH 7.5) and in 15-30 % (w/v) total salts (25 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain F13-13 T is a member of the genus Halonotius, the most closely related species being Halonotius pteroides 1.15.5 T (96.7 % sequence similarity). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to species of other genera is lower than 93.4 %. Strain F13-13 T was also found to be closely related to Halonotius pteroides 1.15.5 T (91.4 %) on the basis of rpoB' gene sequence analysis. The Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator relatedness result between strain F13-13 T and Halonotius pteroides CECT 7525 T was 35 %, a value lower than the 70 % threshold accepted for species delineation. The average nucleotide identity values based on OrthoANI, ANIb and ANIm of strain F13-13 T and Halonotius pteroides CECT 7525 T were 88.7, 87.8 and 89.4 %, respectively, these values are also lower than the threshold accepted for species delineation. The DNA G+C content of this isolate was 61.2 mol%. The major lipids of strain F13-13 T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and sulphated diglycosyl diether. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization, we propose the placement of strain F13-13 T as a new species within the genus Halonotius, with the name Halonotius aquaticus sp. nov. The type strain is F13-13 T (=CECT 9386 T =IBRC-M 11204 T ).

A halophilic archaeal strain, designated HD8-51 T , was isolated from the salted brown alga Laminaria. Cells of strain HD8-51 T were motile, pleomorphic coccoid or ovoid, and formed red-pigmented colonies on agar plates. Strain HD8-51 T grew optimally at 3.1 M NaCl, 0.03 M MgCl2, 30 °C and pH 7.0. Cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was 0.85 M. Based on phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA and rpoB' genes, strain HD8-51 T was most closely related to members of the genus Halorussus (92.3-95.6 % and 89.2-91.7% similarities, respectively). The average nucleotide identity values and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain HD8-51 T and Halorussus rarus TBN4 T were 81.69 and 24.5 %, respectively. The major polar lipids of strain HD8-51 T were phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), phosphatidylglycerol sulfate (PGS) and five glycolipids, sulfated galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-TGD-1), galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (TGD-1), sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-DGD-1), mannosyl glucosyl diether (DGD-1) and diglycosyl diether (DGD-2). The DNA G+C content was 65.9 mol%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain HD8-51 T represents a novel species of the genus Halorussus, for which the name Halorussus litoreus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HD8-51 T (=CGMCC 1.15333 T =JCM 31109 T ).

A halophilic archaeon, strain MBLA0036 T , was isolated from Sorae solar saltern near Incheon, Republic of Korea. Strain MBLA0036 T had three 16S rRNA genes: rrnA, rrnB and rrnC. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain MBLA0036 T (based on the rrnA gene) and Haloplanus ruber R35 T and Haloplanus litoreus GX21 T were 98.0 and 97.3 %, respectively. The similarities of the RNA polymerase subunit B' gene between strain MBLA0036 T and H. ruber R35 T and H. litoreus GX21 T were 94.0 and 92.1 %, respectively. Cells of strain MBLA0036 T were Gram-stain-negative, motile, red-pigmented, pleomorphic, flat and contained gas vesicles. Strain MBLA0036 T grew at 15‒55 °C (optimum, 37 °C), in 10‒30 % (w/v) NaCl (15 %, w/v) with 0‒0.5 M MgSO4.7H2O (0.2 M) and at pH 6.0-9.0 (pH 7.0). The cells lysed in distilled water and the minimum NaCl concentration that prevented cell lysis was 5 % (w/v). Major polar lipids of strain MBLA0036 T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and a glycolipid that was chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether. The major isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-8. The genomic DNA G+C content was 65.5 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain MBLA0036 T and H. ruber JCM 17271 T and H. litoreus JCM 17092 T were 35±3 and 18±1 %, respectively. Therefore, strain MBLA0036 T is described a novel species of the Haloplanus, for which we propose the name Haloplanusrallus sp. nov. The type strain is MBLA0036 T (=KCTC 4239 T =JCM 31425 T ).

Bioemulsifier (BE)-producing Haererehalobacter sp. JS1 was isolated and identified from the solar salt works in India. The BE was extracted, purified, and characterized by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Emulsification activity was performed against different oils and dye degradation potential against different dyes. The production of BE was optimized using different carbon sources (C), nitrogen sources (N), pH, and NaCl. BE screening methods revealed that, Haererehalobacter sp. JS1 was highly positive BE production. Identification by 16S rRNA sequencing and analyses was found that, the Haererehalobacter sp. JS1 was closely related to Salinicoccus halophilus and Haererehalobacter sp. The structural characterization analysis confirmed that the partially purified bioemulsifier belongs to siloxane-type. Emulsification activity (E24) revealed that the bioemulsifier significantly (p < = 0.001) emulsified the commercial oils including coconut oil, gingelly oil, olive oil, and palmolein oils. Haererehalobacter sp. JS1 also significantly (p < = 0.001) degraded the dyes such as orange MR, direct violet, cotton red, reactive yellow, nitro green, and azo dye. RSM regression co-efficient and contour plot analysis clearly indicated that the combination of pH and NaCl helped to increase BE production. Siloxane-type of BE obtained from Haererehalobacter sp. JS1 was able to emulsify different oils and commercial dyes., (© 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

A halophilic archaeal strain, designated ZS-35-S2 T , was isolated from Zhoushan marine solar saltern in Zhejiang Province, China. Cells were pleomorphic, Gram-stain-negative and formed red-pigmented colonies on agar plates. The cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was 8 % (w/v). Strain ZS-35-S2 T was able to grow at 25-50 °C (optimum, 37 °C), with 1.4-4.8 M NaCl (optimum, 2.1 M), with 0-1.0 M MgCl2 (optimum, 0.1 M) and at pH 5.0-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.5). Phylogenetic tree reconstructions based on 16S rRNA genes and rpoB' genes revealed that strain ZS-35-S2 T was distinct from the related genera Halomarina, Natronomonas, Halorientalis, Salinirubrum and Halobaculum of the order Halobacteriales. The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and three unidentified glycolipids. The two major glycolipids were chromatographically identical to S-DGD-1 and DGD-1, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain ZS-35-S2 T is 67.0 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain ZS-35-S2 T (=CGMCC 1.12551 T =JCM 30036 T ) represents a novel species of a new genus within the order Halobacteriales, for which the name Salinirubellus salinus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed.

In Algeria, many salt lakes are to be found spread from southern Tunisia up to the Atlas Mountains in northern Algeria. Oum Eraneb and Ain El beida sebkhas (salt lakes), are located in the Algerian Sahara. The aim of this study was to explore the diversity of the halobacteria in this type of habitats. The physicochemical properties of these shallow saline environments were examined and compared with other hypersaline and marine ecosystems. Both sites were relatively alkaline with a pH around 8.57- 8.74 and rich in salt at 13% and 16% (w/v) salinity for Oum Eraneb and Ain El beida, respectively, with dominant ions of sodium and chloride. The microbial approach revealed the presence of two halophilic archaea, strains JCM13561 and A33T in both explored sebkhas. Growth occurred between 10 and 25% (w/v) NaCl and the isolates grow optimally at 20% (w/v) NaCl. The pH range for growth was 6 to 9.5 with an optimum at pH 7.5 for the first strain and 7 to 9.5 with an optimum pH at 8.5-9 for the second strain. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strains JCM13561 and A33T were most closely related to Halorubrum litoreum and Natronorubrum bangense (99% and 96% similarity, respectively).

The diversity of haloarchaea associated with different dry salt lakes in northeastern Algeria was investigated together with their potential of hydrolytic enzyme production. A total of 68 aerobic halophilic archaea were isolated from saline sediments. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolates were assigned to seven phylotypes within the class Halobacteria, namely Haloarcula, Halococcus, Haloferax, Halogeometricum, Haloterrigena, Natrialba, and Natrinema. The results showed that Haloferax group was found to be dominant in all samples (30 isolates) (44%) with high diversity, followed by Halococcus spp. (13%) (9 isolates). All phylotypes are extreme halophiles and thermotolerant with the ability to grow at temperatures up to 48 °C. In addition, the screening for extracellular halophilic enzymes showed that 89.7% of the isolates were able to produce at least two types of the screened enzymes. The strains producing esterase, gelatinase, inulinase, cellulase and protease activities were the most diverse functional group. These data showed an abundant and diverse haloarchaeal community, detected in Algerian wetland ecosystems, presenting a promising source of molecules with important biotechnological applications., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Halophilic archaeal strain ZS-47-S T was isolated from Zhoushan marine solar saltern, China. Cells were pleomorphic, stained Gram-negative, and formed red-pigmented colonies on agar plate. Strain ZS-47-S T was able to grow at 20-50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 0.9-4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.4 M), at 0.005-1.0 M MgCl 2 (optimum 0.03 M), and at pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum pH 6.5-7.5). The cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was 5% (w/v). The major polar lipids were C 20 C 20 and C 20 C 25 diether derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, glucosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether, and three unidentified glycolipids. The 16S rRNA gene and rpoB' gene of strain ZS-47-S T were phylogenetically related to the corresponding genes of Halomarina oriensis JCM 16495 T (98.57 and 92.94% similarities, respectively) and Halomarina salina CGMCC 1.12543 T (97.96 and 93.65% similarities, respectively). The DNA G + C content of strain ZS-47-S T was 64.6 mol % (T m ). The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain ZS-47-S T (=CGMCC 1.12563 T  = JCM 30037 T ) represents a new species of Halomarina, for which the name Halomarina rubra sp. nov. is proposed.

Keke Salt Lake is located in the Qaidamu Basin of China. It is a unique magnesium sulfate-subtype hypersaline lake that exhibits a halite domain ecosystem, yet its microbial diversity has remained unstudied. Here, the microbial community structure and diversity was investigated via high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V5 regions of 16S rRNA genes. A high diversity of operational taxonomic units was detected for Bacteria and Archaea (734 and 747, respectively), comprising 21 phyla, 43 classes, and 201 genera of Bacteria and 4 phyla, 4 classes, and 39 genera of Archaea. Salt-saturated samples were dominated by the bacterial genera Bacillus (51.52%-58.35% relative abundance), Lactococcus (9.52%-10.51%), and Oceanobacillus (8.82%-9.88%) within the Firmicutes phylum (74.81%-80.99%), contrasting with other hypersaline lakes. The dominant Archaea belonged to the Halobacteriaceae family, and in particular, the genera (with an abundance of >10% of communities) Halonotius, Halorubellus, Halapricum, Halorubrum, and Natronomonas. Additionally, we report the presence of Nanohaloarchaeota and Woesearchaeota in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau lakes, which has not been previously documented. Total salinity (especially Mg 2+ , Cl - , Na + , and K + ) mostly correlated with taxonomic distribution across samples. These results expand our understanding of microbial resource utilization within hypersaline lakes and the potential adaptations of dominant microorganisms that allow them to inhabit such environments.

An extremely halophilic archaeal strain SP28 T was isolated from the Gomso solar saltern, Republic of Korea. Cells of the new strain SP28 T were pleomorphic and Gram stain negative, and produced red-pigmented colonies. These grew in medium with 2.5-4.5 M NaCl (optimum 3.1 M) and 0.05-0.5 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.1 M), at 25-50 °C (optimum 37 °C) and at a pH of 6.5-8.5 (optimum pH 8.0). Mg 2+ was required for growth. A concentration of at least 2 M NaCl was required to prevent cell lysis. Polar lipids included phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and one glycolipid chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether. 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequence analyses showed that strain SP28 T is closely related to Haloplanus ruber R35 T (97.3 and 94.1 %, 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequence similarity, respectively), Haloplanus litoreus GX21 T (97.0 and 92.1 %), Haloplanus salinus YGH66 T (96.0 and 91.9 %), Haloplanus vescus RO5-8 T (95.9 and 90.9 %), Haloplanus aerogenes TBN37 T (95.6 and 90.3 %) and Haloplanus natans RE-101 T (95.3 and 89.8 %). The DNA G+C content of the novel strain SP28 T was 66.2 mol%, which is slightly higher than that of Hpn.litoreus GX21 T (65.8 mol%) and Hpn.ruber R35 T (66.0 mol%). DNA-DNA hybridization values betweenHpn.ruber R35 T and strain SP28 T and between Hpn.litoreus GX21 T and strain SP28 T were about 24.8 and 20.7 %, respectively. We conclude that strain SP28 T represents a novel species of the genus Haloplanus and propose the name Haloplanus salinarum sp. nov. The type strain is SP28 T (=JCM 31424 T =KCCM 43210 T ).

Two extremely halophilic archaea, strains YIM 93745 T and YIM 93707, were isolated from a saline soil sample collected from Loulan, China. Cells of the two strains were coccus, non-motile and Gram-stain negative. The strains were aerobic and grew at 25-50 °C (optimum, 37 °C), in the presence of 5-35 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 20 %), 0.01-0.1 M Mg 2 + (optimum, 0.03 M) and pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum, 7.0-7.5). Cells lysed in distilled water and with 0-5 % NaCl. Major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, sulfated mannosyl glycosyl diether and two unidentified glycolipids. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA sequence revealed that the two strains were most closely related to Halovivax cerinus IC35 T (95.1 and 95.2 % sequence similarities, respectively). The two strains, however, shared highest rpoB' gene sequence identities with Natrinema pellirubrum JCM 10476 T (87.8 and 87.7 % respectively). Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequences demonstrated a robust clade of the two strains with members of related genera of the family Natrialbaceae. The DNA G+C contents of the two strains were 64.6 and 64.4 mol%, respectively. DNA-DNA relatedness values between them were 95±2 %. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic characteristics and phylogenetic properties suggested that the two strains YIM 93745 T and YIM 93707 represent a novel species in a new genus within the family Natrialbaceae, for which the name Saliphagus infecundisoli gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 93745 T (=KCTC 4228 T =CGMCC 1.15824 T ).

A halophilic archaeal strain, YGH44T, was isolated from the Yinggehai marine solar saltern in Hainan Province of China. Cells were rod-shaped, stained Gram-negative and formed red-pigmented colonies on agar plates. Optimal growth was obtained with 3.4 M NaCl (range: 2.6-4.8 M), 0.5 M MgCl2 (range: 0.005-1.0 M), at 37 °C (range: 25-55 °C) and at pH 7.0 (range: pH 5.0-9.0). The cells lysed in distilled water, and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was 1.7 M. Phylogenetic tree reconstructions based on 16S rRNA genes and rpoB' genes revealed that strain YGH44T was distinct from the related genera, Halovenus, Halapricum, Halorientalis, Halorhabdus and Halosimplex of the order Halobacteriales. The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and three unidentified glycolipids. The DNA G+C content of strain YGH44Twas 69.0 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain YGH44T (=CGMCC 1.12234T=JCM 18646T) represents a novel species of a new genus within the order Halobacteriales, for which the name Salinirussus salinus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed.

A novel halophilic archaeon, designated strain WIIAL99T, was isolated from Lake Meyghan, a hypersaline lake in Iran. Cells of strain WIIAL99T were non-motile, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Strain WIIAL99T required at least 2.5 M NaCl and 0.05 M MgCl2 for growth. Optimal growth was achieved at 3.5 M NaCl and 0.1 M MgCl2. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 7.0 and 37-40 °C; it was able to grow at pH 6.0-8.5 and 20-55 °C. Cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was 8 % (w/v). The major polar lipids of strain WIIAL99T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, disulfated diglycosyl diether and one unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain WIIAL99T was 66.7 mol%. The closest relative was Natronoarchaeum rubrum JCM 17119T with 98.2 % similarity in the orthologous 16S rRNA gene sequence. Analysis of 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequences indicated that strain WIIAL99T is a member of the genus Natronoarchaeum in the family Halobacteriaceae and forms a distinct cluster. It was concluded that strain WIIAL99T (=IBRC-M 11062T=LMG 29814T) represents a novel species of the genus Natronoarchaeum, for which the name Natronoarchaeum persicum sp. nov. is proposed.

An extremely halophilic archaeon, designated strain 5-3T, was isolated from a soil sample of Meighan wetland in Iran. Strain 5-3T was strictly aerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and ovoid. Colonies of strain 5-3T were cream-coloured. The isolate showed optimum growth at 4.0 M NaCl, 40 °C and pH 7.0. The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, two unknown phospholipids and three glycolipids (including one that was chromatographically identical to S2-DGD). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-8. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 61.5 mol%. The closest relative was Natrinema salaciae JCM 17869T with 97.3 % similarity in the orthologous 16S rRNA gene sequence. Analysis of 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequences indicated that strain 5-3T is a member of the genus Natrinema in the family Natrialbaceae and forms a distinct cluster. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, a novel species of the family Natrialbaceae, Natrinema soli sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is 5-3T (=IBRC-M 11063T=LMG 29247T).

Two chitin-degrading halophilic archaeal strains, MC-74T and MC-23, were isolated from commercial salt samples. Cells were motile, rod-shaped and stained Gram-negative. Colonies were vermillion-pigmented. Strains MC-74T and MC-23 were able to grow with 1.5-5.1 M NaCl (optimum, 2.6-3.1 M) at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and at 20-50 °C (optimum, 40 °C). The orthologous 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the two strains was 99.8 %, and the closest phylogenetic relative was Salinarchaeum laminariae JCM 17267T with 99.3-99.5 % similarity. The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between the two strains was 93 and 94 % (reciprocally), and those between the two strains and Salinarchaeumlaminariae JCM 17267T were 35-36 % and 38-39 % (reciprocally). The polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and phosphatidylglycerol sulfate. Glycolipids were not detected. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, the strains represent a novel species of the genus Salinarchaeum, for which the name Salinarchaeum chitinilyticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MC-74T (=JCM 19597T=KCTC 4262T), isolated from solar salt produced in France. Strain MC-23, isolated from a commercial solar salt sample produced in China, is an additional strain of the species.

A pleomorphic, gas-vesicle-containing, halophilic archaeon, designated strain H13T, was isolated from the solar saltern of the Western Salt Co., Chula Vista, California, USA. Cells of strain H13T were non-motile, rod-shaped and 3-10 µm in length. The optimum growth conditions were 3.5-5.0 M NaCl, 45-55 °C, and pH range of 6.5-8.2. The major polar lipids were C20C20 and C20C25 derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and disulfated diglycosyl diether-1. The G+C content of he genome of strain H13T was calculated as 65.10 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and rpoB' genes revealed that strain H13 was most closely related to Haloterrigena saccharevitans AB14T (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity: 99.51 %; rpoB' sequence similarity: 96.19 %) and Haloterrigena thermotolerans PR5T (99.11 %; 95.50 %). Strain H13T showed low genome relatedness values with Htg. saccharevitans AB14T and Htg. thermotolerans PR5T based on estimated average nucleotide identity (ANI; 92.59 and 91.68 %, respectively) and genome-to-genome distance analysis (GGDA; 47.90 and 45.00 %, respectively). Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties and the genome relatedness, it is evident that strain H13T represents a novel species of the genus Haloterrigena, for which the name Haloterrigena mahiisp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H13T (=BCRC 910151T=NBRC 111885T).

Two extremely halophilic archaea, strains D90T and D93, were isolated from underground salt deposits of Yunnan salt mine, China. Both strains were pleomorphic or short rods, non-motile, Gram-negative and required 1.7 M NaCl for growth, with optimum at 3.4 M. Mg2+ was not required for growth. Multiple copies of the 16S rRNA gene were obtained for both strains. Sequence similarity analysis of 16S rRNA genes revealed that strains D90T and D93 were closely related to Halobaculum magnesiiphilum MGY-184T and Halobaculum gomorrense DSM 9297T with the sequence similarity between 96.2-98.1 %. The sequence similarity of the rpoB' gene between strain D90T and Halobaculum gomorrenseJCM 9908T was 94.1 %. The DNA G+C contents of strains D90T and D93 were 65.9 and 67.6 mol%, respectively. The major polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and glycolipid. The DNA-DNA relatedness value between strains D90T and D93 was 90.1±0.5 %, while that between strain D90T and Halobaculum gomorrenseJCM 9908T was 30.0±0.7 %. The comparison of physiological and biochemical characteristics, including the requirements of NaCl, Mg2+, pH, etc., differentiated strains D90T and D93 from Halobaculum magnesiiphilum MGY-184T and Halobaculum gomorrenseJCM 9908T. Therefore, strains D90T and D93 represent a novel species of the genus Halobaculum, for which the name Halobaculum roseum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D90T (=CGMCC 1.15501T=JCM 31273T).

We isolated a Gram-stain-negative, pink-pigmented, motile, pleomorphic, extremely halophilic archaeon from the brine-seawater interface of Discovery Deep in the Saudi Arabian Red Sea. This strain, designated SB9T, was capable of growth within a wide range of temperatures and salinity, but required MgCl2. Cells lysed in distilled water, but at 7.0 % (w/v) NaCl cell lysis was prevented. The major polar lipids from strain SB9T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerolphosphate methyl ester, sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether, mannosyl glucosyl diether, an unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified phospholipids. The major respiratory quinones of strain SB9T were menaquinones MK8 (66 %) and MK8 (VIII-H2) (34 %). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain SB9T was closely related to species in the genera Halogranum and Haloplanus; in particular, it shared highest sequence similarity with the type strain of Halogranum rubrum (93.4 %), making it its closest known relative. The unfinished draft genome of strain SB9Twas 3 931 127 bp in size with a total G+C content of 62.53 mol% and contained 3917 ORFs, 50 tRNAs and eight rRNAs. Based on comparisons with currently available genomes, the highest average nucleotide identity value was 83 % to Halogranum salarium B-1T (GenBank accession no. GCA&#95;000283335.1). These data indicate that this new isolate cannot be classified into any recognized genera of the family Haloferacaceae, and therefore strain SB9T is considered to be a representative of a novel species of a new genus within this family, for which the name Haloprofundus marisrubri gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Haloprofundus marisrubri is SB9T (=JCM 19565T=CGMCC 1.14959T).

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-pleomorphic, aerobic, halophilic archaeon, strain MK62-1T, was isolated from commercial salt made from seawater in the Philippines. Strain MK62-1T was able to grow at 2.1-4.7 M NaCl (with optimum at 2.1-2.6 M NaCl), pH 6.5-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5) and 20-55 °C (optimum, 45-50 °C). Based on the orthologous 16S rRNA gene sequence, the closest relative was Haloparvum sedimenti JCM 30891T with 99.2 % similarity. The RNA polymerase subunit B' gene sequence also showed the highest similarity (97.4 %) to that of Haloparvum sedimenti DYS4T. The DNA G+C content of MK62-1T was 70.1 mol%, while that of Haloparvum sedimenti JCM 30891T was 69.5 mol% by the HPLC method. The levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between MK62-1T and Haloparvum sedimenti JCM 30891T were 60.6 and 60.8 % (reciprocally). The major polar lipids of the isolate were C20C20 archaeol derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and phosphatidylglycerol sulfate. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, it is proposed that the isolate represents species within the genus Haloparvum, for which the name Haloparvum alkalitolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MK62-1T (=JCM 30442T =KCTC 4214T).

A halophilic archaeal strain YJ-37-H T was isolated from Yangjiang marine solar saltern, China. Cells were pleomorphic rods, stained Gram negative and formed red-pigmented colonies on agar plate. Strain YJ-37-H T was able to grow at 20-50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 0.9-4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.6 M NaCl), at 0-1.0 M MgCl 2 (optimum 0.3 MgCl 2 ) and at pH 6.5-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0). The cells lysed in distilled water, and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was found to be 5 % (w/v). The 16S rRNA gene and rpoB' gene of strain YJ-37-H T were phylogenetically related to the corresponding genes of Halorussus members (93.2-95.8 % and 90.1-93.9 % similarities, respectively). The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), phosphatidylglycerol sulfate (PGS) and five glycolipids, sulfated galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-TGD-1), galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (TGD-1), sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-DGD-1), mannosyl glucosyl diether (DGD-1) and diglycosyl diether (DGD-2). The DNA G+C content of strain YJ-37-H T was 64.9 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain YJ-37-H T (=CGMCC 1.12571 T  = JCM 30032 T ) represents a new species of Halorussus, for which the name Halorussus salinus sp. nov. is proposed.

A novel and extremely halophilic archaeon, designated strain 2a&#95;47&#95;2T, was isolated from a solar saltern sample collected in Indonesia. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and pleomorphic and formed orange-red pigmented colonies. Strain 2a&#95;47&#95;2T grew at 20-48 °C (optimum 38-41 °C), pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum pH 7.5), >1.7 M NaCl (optimum 2.6 M) and <0.5 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.3 M). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, two phospholipids and sulfated diglycosyl diether. The cells mainly contained menaquinone-8. The G+C content in the genomic DNA of the strain was 67.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain 2a&#95;47&#95;2T represents a member of the family Halorubraceae and is different from any other known halophilic archaea. This finding was also demonstrated by phylogenetic analyses based on deduced RpoB' amino acid sequences. Collectively, these results show that strain 2a&#95;47&#95;2T represents a novel genus and species in the family Halorubraceae, and the name Halobium palmae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2a&#95;47&#95;2T (=NBRC 111368T=InaCC Ar34T).

A halophilic archaeal strain, designated ZS-57-S(T), was isolated from Zhoushan marine solar saltern, China. Cells were observed to be pleomorphic, stained Gram-negative and formed red pigmented colonies on agar plates. Optimal growth was obtained at 3.9 M NaCl (range 1.4-4.8 M), 0.3 M MgCl2 (range 0-1.0 M), 30 °C (range 20-55 °C) and pH 6.5-7.5 (range 5.5-9.0). The cells were found to lyse in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was determined to be 5 % (w/v). The major polar lipids were identified as C20C20 and C20C25 diether derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, glucosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether and two unidentified glycolipids. The 16S rRNA gene and rpoB' gene of strain ZS-57-S(T) were phylogenetically related to the corresponding genes of Halomarina oriensis JCM 16495(T) (98.2 and 93.7 % similarities, respectively). The DNA G+C content of strain ZS-57-S(T) was determined to be 67.1 mol% (T m). The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain ZS-57-S(T) (=CGMCC 1.12543(T) = JCM 30039(T)) represents a new species of the genus Halomarina, for which the name Halomarina salina sp. nov. is proposed.

A novel halophilic archaeon designated strain CBA1114 T was isolated from solar salt in the Republic of Korea. Strain CBA1114 T , cells of which were coccoid and Gram-stain-negative, grew in the presence of 15-30 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 20 %) and at 20-50 °C (optimum, 40 °C) and pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 8.0). Strain CBA1114 T required Mg 2+ for growth. Strain CBA1114 T had three 16S rRNA genes, rrnA, rrnB and rrnC; levels of similarity between the sequences were 99.7-99.9 %. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain CBA1114 T showed 91.7 % similarity to that of Haloterrigena thermotolerans PR5 T . In multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), five housekeeping genes, atpB, EF-2, radA, rpoB' and secY, were found to be closely related to those of the members of the genera Halorientalis(89.7 % similarity of the atpB gene sequence), Halomicroarcula(91.9 %, EF-2), Haloterrigena(85.4 %, radA), Natronoarchaeum(89.2 %, rpoB') and Natrinema(75.7 %, secY). A phylogenetic tree generated from the results of MLSA of the five housekeeping genes showed that strain CBA1114 T was closely related to species of the genus Halorientalis in the family Halobacteriaceae. The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain CBA1114 T was 68.1 mol%. According to the results of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, we designate strain CBA1114 T (=JCM 30111 T =KCTC 4206 T ) as the type strain of Halostella salina gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel species of a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae.

Two extremely halophilic archaeal strains, DYS4T and Y2, were isolated from rock salt of the Jiangcheng Salt Mine, Yunnan province, China. Cells of the two strains were non-motile, pleomorphic rods and Gram-stain-negative. The cells produced light red-pigmented colonies. Strains DYS4T and Y2 required 2.6-3.4 M NaCl, pH 7.5- 8.0 and 42 ºC in aerobic conditions for optimal growth. Mg2+ was required for growth. The major polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether. An unidentified minor glycolipid spot was present for strains DYS4T and Y2, which differentiates them from the closely related species of the genera Halorubrum and Halopenitus. The lipid core of the glycolipid was sn-2,3-diphytanylglycerol (C20C20). The sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene demonstrated that the closest relatives of strains DYS4T and Y2 were Halorubrum aidingense 31-hongT (94.1 % and 93.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to DYS4T and Y2, respectively) and Halopenitus salinus SKJ47T (93.4% and 93.1%). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and the rpoB' gene revealed that strains DYS4T and Y2 formed an independent lineage closely related to the genera Halorubrum and Halopenitus. The DNA G+C contents of strains DYS4T and Y2 were 68.2 and 67.0 mol%, respectively. The DNA-DNA relatedness value between strains DYS4T and Y2 was 90.0 ± 0.5%, while that between strain DYS4T and other closest relatives was less than 26 % (19 ± 0.7 % for Halorubrum aidingense 31-hongT and 25 ± 0.3% for Halopenitus salinus SKJ47T). The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strains DYS4T and Y2 (=CGMCC 1.15000=JCM 30892) represent a novel species of a new genus within the family Haloferacaceae, for which the name Haloparvum sedimenti gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is DYS4T (=CGMCC 1.14998T=JCM 30891T).

Thirty-five extremely halophilic microbial strains isolated from crystallizer (TS18) and non-crystallizer (M1) ponds in the Sfax solar saltern in Tunisia were examined for their ability to exert antimicrobial activity. Antagonistic assays resulted in the selection of eleven strains that displayed such antimicrobial activity and they were further characterized. Three cases of cross-domain inhibition (archaea/bacteria or bacteria/archaea) were observed. Four archaeal strains exerted antimicrobial activity against several other strains. Three strains, for which several lines of evidence suggested the antimicrobial activity was, at least in part, due to peptide/protein agents (Halobacterium salinarum ETD5, Hbt. salinarum ETD8, and Haloterrigena thermotolerans SS1R12), were studied further. Optimal culture conditions for growth and antimicrobial production were determined. Using DNA amplification with specific primers, sequencing and RT-PCR analysis, Hbt. salinarum ETD5 and Hbt. salinarum ETD8 were shown to encode and express halocin S8, a hydrophobic antimicrobial peptide targeting halophilic archaea. Although the gene encoding halocin H4 was amplified from the genome of Htg. thermotolerans SS1R12, no transcript could be detected and the antimicrobial activity was most likely due to multiple antimicrobial compounds. This is also the first report that points to four different strains isolated from different geographical locations with the capacity to produce identical halocin S8 proteins.

Two halophilic archaea, designated strains WSM-64(T) and WSM-66, were isolated from a sample taken from a borehole in the currently unexploited Barycz mining area belonging to the "Wieliczka" Salt Mine Company, in Poland. Strains are red pigmented and form non-motile cocci that stain Gram-negative. Strains WSM-64(T) and WSM-66 showed optimum growth at 40 °C, in 20% NaCl and at pH 6.5-7.5. The strains were facultative anaerobes. The major polar lipids of the two strains were phosphatidylglycerol (PG2), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me) and sulfated diglycosyl diether (S-DGD). Menaquinone MK-8 was the major respiratory quinone. The DNA G+C content of strain WSM-64(T) was 61.2 mol% by HPLC method; 61.0 mol% by genome sequencing. Analysis of the almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the strains WSM-64(T) and WSM-66 (99.7% identity) represented a member of the genus Halorhabdus in the family Halobacteriaceae. Both strains formed a distinct cluster and were most closely related to Halorhabdus tiamatea SARL4B(T) and Halorhabdus utahensis AX-2(T) (DSM 12940(T)) (95.4% and 95.6%, respectively). ANI values of WSM-64(T) with the closest relative type strains were <78.5%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and whole genome analyses, physiological and biochemical characteristics we describe a new species represented by strain WSM-64(T) (=DSM 29498(T) =CECT 8673(T)) for which we propose the name Halorhabdus rudnickae sp. nov., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

A novel halophilic archaeon, designated strain 2b&#95;61&#95;3T, was isolated from a solar saltern in Indonesia. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-negative, motile, pleomorphic rods that formed orange-red-pigmented colonies on solid medium. The isolate grew optimally at 42-44 °C, pH 6.5-7.0, and with 2.6 M NaCl, and MgCl2 was required for growth. Strain 2b&#95;61&#95;3T had two differential 16S rRNA genes (rrnA and rrnB), and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain belonged to the genus Haloarchaeobius. The rrnA and rrnB sequence similarities between strain 2b&#95;61&#95;3T and species of the genus Haloarchaeobius were 98.4-99.2 % and 98.5-98.8 %, respectively. The findings from the 16S rRNA gene analysis were supported by sequence analysis of rpoB', the B' subunit of RNA polymerase. On the basis of the phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analyses, as well as DNA-DNA hybridization experiments with Haloarchaeobius iranensis NBRC 110930T, strain 2b&#95;61&#95;3T represents a novel species of the genus Haloarchaeobius, for which the name Haloarchaeobius baliensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2b&#95;61&#95;3T ( = NBRC 110517T = InaCC Ar2T).

A halophilic archaeal strain, YC93T, was isolated from Yuncheng salt lake in Shanxi Province, China. Cells were pleomorphic rods, stained Gram-negative and formed light-red-pigmented colonies on agar plates. Strain YC93T was able to grow at 25–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), with 1.4–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.0 M), with 0–1.0 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.05 M) and at pH 6.0–9.5 (optimum pH 7.0). Cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was 8 % (w/v). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain YC93T had two dissimilar 16S rRNA genes both of which were phylogenetically related to those of the two recognized members of the genus Halorussus (93.0–95.3 % similarity). The rpoB′ gene of strain YC93T was phylogenetically related to the corresponding gene of Halorussus rarus TBN4T (91.3 % similarity) and Halorussus ruber YC25T (90.5 %). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and five glycolipids chromatographically identical to those of Halorussus rarus CGMCC 1.10122T. The DNA G+C content of strain YC93T was 64.6 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain YC93T represents a novel species of the genus Halorussus, for which the name Halorussus amylolyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YC93T ( = CGMCC 1.12126T = JCM 18367T).