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Penaeid prawns and associated luminous bacteria
1University of Agricultural Sciences, College of Fisheries, Mangalore, India.
Abstract:
Luminous bacteria associated with the exoskeleton, gill and gut of penaeid prawns, Penaeus indicus H. Milne Edwards and Penaeus monodon Fabricius in Mangalore waters were isolated, identified and quantified. Two species of bacteria, Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio fischeri were recorded, the former was dominant in the exoskeleton and gill of both the penaeids. Gut of prawns supported exclusive and dense populations of V. harveyi suggesting that the species is well adapted to proliferate in this microenvironment especially in the hindgut region.
Insights
Two luminous bacteria species, Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio fischeri, were identified in penaeid prawns. Vibrio harveyi dominated prawn exoskeletons and gills, thriving in the gut environment.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Aquaculture microbiology
Background:
- Luminous bacteria are often associated with marine crustaceans.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for prawn aquaculture health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate, identify, and quantify luminous bacteria in penaeid prawns (Penaeus indicus and Penaeus monodon).
- To determine the distribution of luminous bacteria on prawn exoskeletons, gills, and within the gut.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial isolation from prawn exoskeletons, gills, and guts.
- Identification of bacterial species using standard microbiological techniques.
- Quantification of bacterial populations in different prawn tissues.
Main Results:
- Two luminous bacterial species were identified: Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio fischeri.
- Vibrio harveyi was the dominant species found on the exoskeleton and gills of both prawn species.
- The gut, particularly the hindgut, harbored dense and exclusive populations of Vibrio harveyi.
Conclusions:
- Vibrio harveyi is a significant luminous bacterial associate of penaeid prawns in Mangalore waters.
- The prawn gut provides a favorable microenvironment for Vibrio harveyi proliferation.
- This suggests potential implications for prawn health and aquaculture management.