Differential profiling of viable fungi in the gut of Penaeus vannamei cultured in brackishwater ponds with high protein, low protein and azolla-based diets

Abstract

An understanding of the gut microflora of an organism provides vital information that could be used in developing strategies for health management. In this view, a differential profiling of fungi in the gut of Penaeus vannamei fed on high protein, low protein and azolla-based diets are carried out. Shrimp samples were collected from brackish water ponds maintained on various dietary changes and fungus species were isolated and identified. A total of 43 fungi isolates belonging to 29 species, 2 phyla, 8 classes, 11 orders, 22 families and 23 genera ware identified. Among the identified species 74.41 % are represented by phylum Ascomycota and 25.60 % of the species are represented by Basidiomycota. Sakaguchia oryzae (9 %) and Parasarocladium breve (9 %) were the dominant species. The data indicate that higher fungal diversity was present in low protein administered groups followed by high protein feed with a slight difference. The lowest fungal diversity was in the azolla-based diet administered group. P. breve and Penicillium osxalicum were abundant in the high protein feed administered groups. S. oryzae and Acremonium brachypenium ware abundant in low protein and azolla-based feed groups, respectively. The genera Acremonium (4.3 %) was found common in all tested diet administered groups. The results indicated that dietary changes may influence the fungal diversity in the gut of P. vannamei. Our study provides valuable information on the gut mycobiota of P. vannamei cultured on dietary changes through employing modern data analysis and visualization tools, which is essential for developing an effective management strategy to improve shrimp culture.