Phylogenomic insights support the merger of the genera Mameliella and Maliponia into the genus Antarctobacter

Our findings suggest that Antarctobacter, Mameliella, and Maliponia may represent a single genus. We therefore propose that Mameliella and Maliponia species should be reclassified as members of the genus Antarctobacter. This re-evaluation contributes to the ongoing effort to refine the taxonomy of the Roseobacteraceae, correct historical misclassifications, and reduce the proliferation of underpopulated genera within this ecologically important family. This reclassification provides a more accurate framework for studying the evolution, diversity, and ecological roles of these bacteria, and allows researchers to focus on more significant variations among species. Our results help establish a more reasonable taxonomy within the family Roseobacteraceae.