Methanofollis aquaemaris sp nov., a methanogen isolated from an aquaculture fish pond

A novel methanogen, designated strain N2F9704(T), was isolated from an aquaculture fish pond near Wang-gong, Taiwan. The cells were irregular cocci, non-motile, 1.2-2.0 mum in diameter and stained Gram-negative. Cells of strain N2F9704(T) lysed easily by SDS treatment (0.1 g l(-1)) and the S-layer protein had an M-r Of 137000. The catabolic substrates used included formate and H-2+CO2, but not acetate, methanol, trimethylamine or secondary alcohols. The optimal growth parameters for strain N2F9704(T) were pH 6.5, 37 degreesC with 0.5% NaCl. Trace amounts of tungstate not only promoted growth but also extended the range of growth conditions. Analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence revealed a phylogenetic relationship to Methanofollis species and the name Methanofollis aquaemaris sp. nov. is therefore proposed for strain N2F9704(T) (= OCM 746(T) = CCRC 16166(T)). Additionally, the strain was infected with a novel coccus-shaped, enveloped virus with a diameter of 200 nm.