Diverse deep-sea anglerfishes share a genetically reduced luminous symbiont that is acquired from the environment.

ABSTRACT: Deep-sea anglerfishes are relatively abundant and diverse, but their luminescent bacterial symbionts remain enigmatic. The genomes of two symbiont species have qualities common to vertically transmitted, host-dependent bacteria. However, a number of traits suggest that these symbionts may be environmentally acquired. To determine how anglerfish symbionts are transmitted, we analyzed bacteria-host codivergence across six diverse anglerfish genera. Most of the anglerfish species surveyed shared a common species of symbiont. Only one other symbiont species was found, which had a specific relationship with one anglerfish species, Cryptopsaras couesii. Host and symbiont phylogenies lacked congruence, and there was no statistical support for codivergence broadly. We also recovered symbion

SUBMITTER: Baker LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6773444 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature