Amplicon sequencing reveals growth-associated microbial communities in black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

Recent evidence has underscored the significance of intestinal microbes in host growth performance, shedding light on the complex relationship between gut microbiota and host physiology. Even though Penaeus monodon exhibits notable size variations attributed to rapid growth and larger body mass, the specific association of the microbial community with body size remains unexplored. In this study, we employed a 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing approach to investigate the composition, diversity, and functional potential of gut microbiota in two populations of adult P. monodon (fast-growing and slow-growing). Significant variations in microbial architecture were found between the study groups based on alpha and beta diversity analyses. Differential abundance analysis identified the enrichment of specific genera, including Desulfovibrio, Ferrimonas, and Fusibacter, in the fast-growing P. monodon. These genera have been previously implicated in female shrimp growth. Functional prediction of the observed microbiota composition highlighted the predominance of growth-associated pathways, such as iron and sulfur metabolism, in the fast-growing population. Overall, our comprehensive analysis revealed discernible differences in gut microbiota between fast-growing and slow-growing populations of P. monodon, possibly indicating dynamic changes associated with host growth and development. The variations observed in the abundance of growth-related microbial taxa between these populations may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms influencing shrimp growth and development.