Abstract
P.D. MUNRO, A. BARBOUR AND T.H. BIRKBECK. 1994. Bacterial colonization of the gut of turbot larvae coincided with the start of feeding and the gut microflora was then dominated by Vibrio and Aeromonas species. The detection of similar bacterial isolates over several days indicated the presence of a stable microflora during the rotifer feeding stage, probably reflecting a stable flora in the rotifer culture. There was no correlation between the number of bacteria in the gut and larval survival rates; incidences of high mortalities were not associated with high numbers of recognized fish pathogens, although an Aeromonas species was implicated as an opportunistic pathogen. Potential pathogens were isolated, albeit in low numbers, from batches of apparently healthy larvae with high survival rates. It is probable that the bacterial flora plays an important role in determining the survival of larval fish and that the establishment of a beneficial flora is possible, although the criteria for such a flora have still to be elucidated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
