Investigating Fish Gut Microbiomes Along a Nutrient and Primary Producer Gradient

Main Article Content

Andrew Long
Michael Booth

Abstract

Record ID: 338


Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication


Program Affiliation: NA


Presentation Type: Poster


Abstract: Nutrient runoff remains a significant anthropogenic pollutant in aquatic ecosystems, impacting ecosystem functions and altering the diversity and composition of organisms at the foundation of the food chain, such as algae and bacteria. These changes affect organisms like fish that rely on these foundational species as a food source. Consequently, alterations to food sources can influence fish growth, health, development, and potentially their microbiomes. While traditional indicators such as weight, length at age, and physical anomalies are commonly used to assess fish health, the significance of microbiomes in this context remains less understood. Despite evidence linking microbiomes to critical aspects of fish health, including growth, development, immunity, and ultimately mortality, their role as a health metric remains underexplored. For these reasons, we seek to better understand how variation in ambient nutrients and associated changes in algal food resources impact the gut microbiomes of herbivores that consume algae. To achieve this, we chose to analyze the gut microbiome of the Central Stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum), an obligate herbivore and common fish species in eastern North America. These analyses will measure gut microbiome composition and diversity, allowing us to discern patterns and correlations between nutrient site data and microbiome compositions. These findings hold the potential to identify any connections between nutrient pollution, periphyton food sources, and fish health, thereby informing better nutrient management policies for freshwater ecosystems. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to ongoing discussions in aquatic ecology while expanding on the understanding of the impacts of nutrient pollution on aquatic ecosystems. 

Article Details

Section
Water for Life
Author Biography

Andrew Long

Major: Biological Sciences