Effects of temperature and size class on the gut digesta microbiota of the sea urchin <i>Tripneustes ventricosus</i>.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Understanding the dynamics of the gut microbiota in sea urchins is crucial for comprehending the ecological balance in marine ecosystems. The gut microbiota plays a vital role in nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and pathogen protection. The microbial composition and dynamics of naturally occurring sea urchin Tripneustes ventricosus have yet to be thoroughly investigated. We hypothesized the gut microbiota of T. ventricosus in the Caribbean, varies across life stages and seasons.

Methods

Thirty-six naturally occurring large individuals and six small individuals (42 animals) were collected from shallow waters on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico in February and August of 2019. The fecal pellet's microbiota was characterized by sequenc

SUBMITTER: Rodriguez-Barreras R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11608566 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature