The genome sequences of four novel Endozoicomonas strains were just published in the ASM journal Microbiology Resource Announcements. The marine bacteria were isolated from Litophyton sp. soft corals inhabiting the tropical coral exhibition aquarium at Oceanário de Lisboa, in collaboration with its curator Núria Baylina and head aquarist Elsa Santos. Endozoicomonas species are typical coral symbionts and frequently challenging to cultivate and maintain in the laboratory. The novel strains and genomes are now being intensively studied for their roles in corals and in marine symbioses. The bacteria are available at Técnico’s MicroEcoEvo Collection, integrated into the Portuguese Blue Biobank. Lead authors of the study are Matilde Marques and Daniela Silva, who isolated the strains and analysed their genomes under guidance of Rodrigo Costa and Tina Keller-Costa. The genomes were sequenced as part of the Genomic Encyclopedia of Type Strains (GEBA V) initiative at the DOE Joint Genome Institute (USA) using PacBio Sequel technology. See more.