The group known as the 'flavobacteria' has previously been regarded as synonymous with the genus Flavobacterium. Today, however, flavobacteria refers to the family Flavobacteriaceae comprising 10 genera. This review deals with the rapid changes in the taxonomy of these bacteria, especially over the last decade. It also briefly reviews the ecology of the genera in this family and describes the media that have been utilized in the general and selective cultivation of these organisms.