Aims: To develop miniaturized tests for the phenotypic identi®cation of motile Aeromonas species using an improved probability matrix. Methods and Results: Conventional tests were miniaturized for use in 96-well plates, and their performance assessed using 60 aeromonads comprising type and reference strains as well as clinical, ®sh and water isolates. A revised probability matrix for Aeromonas hybridization groups 1±14, including A. allosaccharophila, A. bestiarum, A. encheleia and A. popof®i, was developed. Using 26 tests, all the reference strains were correctly identi®ed with the revised probability matrix, and 80% of the isolates were correctly identi®ed at a Willcox probability level of 95%. Conclusions: The compact test format, coupled with a robust identi®cation matrix, provides a convenient basis for identifying motile aeromonads. Signi®cance and Impact of the Study: The identi®cation system for identifying aeromonads will be of use to medical and veterinary laboratories undertaking disease diagnosis.

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