DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF CULTURABLE VIBRIONACEAE IN THE REARING TANKS OF THREE DIFFERENT CONSUMER TYPES OF AQUACULTURE COMMODITIES

Abstract

Vibrio spp. bacteria species are heterotrophic and halophilic bacteria, which are commonly found in various habitats such as brackish, marine waters and animals. They are widely used as an indicator of water quality and cultured animal health. This study investigates the diversity and abundance of Vibrionaceae populations in the rearing water of three distinct consumer types of aquaculture commodities, namely abalone, lobster and sea cucumber, during six months sampling. We isolated Vibrionaceae bacteria from the rearing tanks of three different consumer types of aquaculture commodities. We then inoculated 100 µL of undiluted to 10-5 diluted water samples onto petriplate containing selective Thiosulphate Bile Salt Sucrose agar (TCBS). We characterised bacteria colonies based on the biochemical test for identification. Vibrio metschnikovii was the predominant bacteria species in abundance value from the rearing water of cultured lobster and sea cucumber. Meanwhile, Vibrio anguillarum was the most noticeable bacteria species in abundance from the rearing water of cultured abalone. These data provide information and facilitate the risk assessment of these pathogenic Vibrio species in aquaculture commodities.