The gut microbiota of tropical marine fish is largely uncultured and distinct from surrounding water microbiota

Abstract

Abstract Marine fishes along with their unique gut microbiotas are at threat of extinction. Studying the gut microbes of marine fishes is an important part of conservation. The gut microbiota of only a small fraction of the more than 32,000 known fish species has been investigated. In this study we analysed the gut microbiota composition of more than 50 different wild fish species from tropical waters. Our results show that the fish harbour gut microbiota that are distinct from that of the surrounding water and that location, domestication status, and host intrinsic factors strongly affect the microbiota composition. Furthermore, we show that the vast majority (~ 97%) of the fish-associated microorganisms do not have any cultured representative. Considering the impact of the microbiota on host health and physiology, these findings underpin the call to preserve the microbiota of host species, especially those that may be exposed to habitat destruction.