Dynamic Changes in the Microbial Composition and Spoilage Characteristics of Refrigerated Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during Storage

Abstract

The quality changes, dynamic changes in microbial composition, and diversity changes in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during 4 °C refrigeration were studied using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology, and the total viable count (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were determined. The results revealed a consistent increase in TVC, TVB-N, and TBARS levels over time. On the 9th day, TVC reached 7.43 lg/(CFU/g), while on the 15th day, TVB-N exceeded the upper limit for acceptable quality, reaching 42.56 mg/100 g. Based on the 16S rDNA sequencing results, we categorized the storage period into three phases: early storage (0th and 3rd days), middle storage (6th day), and late storage (9th, 12th, and 15th days). As the storage time increased, both the species richness and diversity exhibited a declining trend. The dominant genus identified among the spoilage bacteria in refrigerated large yellow croaker was Pseudomonas, accounting for a high relative abundance of 82.33%. A comparison was carried out of the spoilage-causing ability of three strains of Pseudomonas screened and isolated from the fish at the end of storage, and they were ranked as follows, from strongest to weakest: P. fluorescen, P. lundensis, and P. psychrophila. This study will provide a theoretical basis for extending the shelf life of large yellow croaker.