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Microbiome differences between wild and aquarium whitespotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari)
Summary
Researchers compared the gut microbiomes of whitespotted eagle rays living in aquariums versus the wild and found significant differences in bacterial communities, though aquarium rays appeared healthy, suggesting their microbiomes adapt to managed environments without causing obvious harm.
For whitespotted eagle rays, managed care was associated with a microbiome differing significantly from that of wild individuals. These differences were not absolute, as the microbiome of aquarium rays shared members with that of wild counterparts and was distinct from that of a cohabitating ray species. Eagle rays under managed care appear healthy, suggesting that their microbiomes are not associated with compromised host health. However, the ray microbiome is dynamic, differing with both environmental factors and host identity. Monitoring of aquarium ray microbiomes over time may identify taxonomic patterns that co-vary with host health.
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