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Review
. 2025 Jan 7;101(1):fiae169.
doi: 10.1093/femsec/fiae169.

A review on comparative analysis of marine and freshwater fish gut microbiomes: insights into environmental impact on gut microbiota

Binoy Kumar Singh  1 , Kushal Thakur  1 , Hishani Kumari  1 , Danish Mahajan  1 , Dixit Sharma  1 , Amit Kumar Sharma  1 , Sunil Kumar  1 , Birbal Singh  2 , Pranay Punj Pankaj  3 , Rakesh Kumar  1
Affiliations
Review

A review on comparative analysis of marine and freshwater fish gut microbiomes: insights into environmental impact on gut microbiota

Binoy Kumar Singh et al. FEMS Microbiol Ecol. .

Abstract

The gut microbiota, which includes prokaryotes, archaea, and eukaryotes such as yeasts, some protozoa, and fungi, significantly impacts fish by affecting digestion, metabolism, and the immune system. In this research, we combine various tasks carried out by various bacteria in the gut of fish. This study also examines the gut microbiome composition of marine and freshwater fish, identifying important bacterial species linked to different biological functions. The diversity within fish species highlights the importance of considering nutrition, habitat, and environmental factors in microbiological research on fish. The ever-changing gut microbiome of the fish indicates that microbial communities are specifically adapted to meet the needs of both the host and its environment. This indicates that the fish can adjust to a specific environment with the help of gut microbiota. This important research is crucial for comprehending the complex relationships between fish and their gut bacteria in different aquatic environments. These discoveries have implications for aquaculture practices, fisheries administration, and the broader ecological processes of both freshwater and marine environments. With further progress in this area of study, the knowledge acquired would offer a valuable standpoint to enhance our comprehension of aquatic microbiology and enhance the sustainability and nutrition of fish resources.

Keywords: comparative analysis: aquaculture; environmental factors; freshwater fishes; gut microbiome; marine fishes.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA methodology was followed during the literature survey.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Function of microorganisms in fish gut. Some bacteria showing probiotic and pro-health benefits have been highlighted. Microbial feed additives (probiotics and synbiotics) are available commercially to improve fish nutrition and health.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Aerobic Gram-negative bacteria reported in the gut of wild freshwater and marine water fish.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Aerobic Gram-positive bacteria reported in the gut of wild freshwater and marine water fish.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Anaerobic bacteria reported in the gut of wild freshwater and marine water fish.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Some factors responsible for variation in fish gut microbiome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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