The bacterial flora in the alimentary tract of freshwater salmonid fishes

Abstract

The bacterial flora in the alimentary tract of five species of freshwater salmonid fishes was examined both qualitatively and quantitatively. The fish were obtained from 16 different locations in British Columbia. The predominant microflora consisted of Gram-negative rods with species of Enterobacter, Aeromonas, and Acinetobacter present in the largest numbers. As many as 108 viable organisms per gram wet weight of alimentary tract plus contents were counted.