Taxonomy, Phylogeny, and Biotechnological Interest of the Family Halomonadaceae

Abstract

Currently, the family Halomonadaceae includes 90 species grouped in ten genera: Halomonas (type genus), Aidingimonas, Carnimonas, Chromohalobacter, Cobetia, Halotalea, Kushneria, Modicisalibacter, Salinicola, and Zymobacter. Most are halophilic from marine or hypersaline origin and some are also alkaliphilic. The most important genus is Halomonas, with more than 60 species. In this chapter, the authors review the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic classification of the members of this family, as well as some other aspects such as the interest of the species of this family, especially with respect to its biotechnological applications and potentialities.