Microbiome differences between wild and aquarium whitespotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari)

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Microbiome research
• Conservation science

Background:

• Host and environmental factors shape animal microbiomes.
• Comparing wild and managed animals helps differentiate these influences.
• Whitespotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) were studied to understand microbiome dynamics in managed care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare skin, gill, and cloaca microbiomes of wild and aquarium whitespotted eagle rays.
• To investigate the effect of host identity on ray microbiomes by comparing whitespotted eagle rays with cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) in the same exhibit.
• To assess if managed care conditions foster a 'natural' host microbiome.

Main Methods:

• Comparative microbiome analysis of skin, gill, and cloaca samples.
• Veterinary health monitoring of rays in managed care.
• Diversity analysis (alpha and beta diversity) of microbial communities.
• Taxonomic comparison between species and environments.

Main Results:

• Aquarium whitespotted eagle rays had significantly different microbiome diversity (alpha and beta) compared to wild individuals across all body sites.
• Differences were more pronounced in skin and gill microbiomes than cloacal microbiomes.
• Aquarium ray microbiomes differed from cohabitating cownose rays, highlighting host specificity.
• Potentially pathogenic bacteria were found in low abundance in all studied rays.

Conclusions:

• Managed care significantly alters the whitespotted eagle ray microbiome, but differences are not absolute, with shared microbial taxa observed.
• Aquarium rays maintained good health, suggesting their altered microbiomes were not detrimental.
• Ray microbiomes are dynamic and influenced by both environmental factors and host identity.
• Long-term monitoring of aquarium ray microbiomes may reveal patterns linked to host health.