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Microbiome structure in large pelagic sharks with distinct feeding ecologies
Zoe A Pratte1, Cameron Perry2, Alistair D M Dove3
1Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology, Montanta State University, 621 Leon Johnson Hall, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA. zoe.pratte@montana.edu.
Animal Microbiome
|March 5, 2022
Summary
Shark gut microbiomes are surprisingly similar across different species, suggesting conserved roles for microbes in shark health. External microbes, however, vary with the surrounding ocean environment.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Microbial Ecology
- Animal Physiology
Background:
- Sharks are vital to marine ecosystems but face population declines.
- The shark microbiome's role in host health and ecology is largely unknown.
- Sampling large, elusive sharks presents unique research challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare intestinal and external microbiomes of white, tiger, and whale sharks.
- To investigate the impact of feeding mode on shark gut microbiome diversity and function.
- To assess how environmental factors influence external shark microbiomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized unique sampling infrastructure for large shark species.
- Compared fecal microbiomes of white, tiger, and whale sharks.
- Analyzed skin and gill microbiomes to assess external microbial communities.
Main Results:
- Intestinal microbiomes of white and whale sharks were taxonomically similar, despite differing diets.
- Shark fecal microbiomes were less diverse than many vertebrates, resembling those of predatory fish and toothed whales.
- External microbiomes were diverse and strongly influenced by the water column microbiome.
Conclusions:
- Host factors and diet play complex roles in shaping shark microbiomes.
- A conserved set of intestinal microbes may contribute to shark physiology.
- Environmental exposure significantly impacts external microbial communities on sharks.
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