METHYLOMONAS-FODINARUM SP-NOV AND METHYLOMONAS-AURANTIACA SP-NOV - 2 CLOSELY RELATED TYPE-I OBLIGATE METHANOTROPHS

A numerical analysis of methane-utilizing isolates obtained from various locations in the north to northeastern region of Australia resulted in the recognition of two distinct but related taxa. Both species are orange, carotenoid-containing, obligate Type I methanotrophs. The first species — Methylomonas fodinarum sp. nov. has a mol% G+C of 58.4 ± 0.3% while the second species-Methylomonas aurantiaca sp. nov has a mol% G+C of 56.5 ± 0.4%. They are morphologically similar, polar-flagellated rods, which can be distinguished on biochemical and physiological properties. The DNA homology between the species ranges from 40 to 60%. Their phenotypic and genotypic characters and relationship to other Methylomonas species are shown. © 1990, Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart · New York. All rights reserved.