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Metagenomic analysis of gut microbiome in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Insights from cultured and lake populations


Citation

Ghazali, Siti Zafirah and Md Gani, Nur Ainin Sofiya and Madiran, Nor Ainsyafikah and Ismail, Norshida and Hasan, Veryl and Novriadi, Romi and Gan, Han Ming and Knight, Victor Feizal and Norrrahim, Mohd Nor Faiz and Kamarudin, Ahmad Syazni (2026) Metagenomic analysis of gut microbiome in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Insights from cultured and lake populations. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, 52 (2). pp. 312-321. ISSN 1687-4285; eISSN: 2090-3278

Abstract

The application of high-throughput sequencing to investigate the gut microbiome has become increasingly frequent in aquaculture due to its role in monitoring the fish immune system and nutrient absorption. This study examines the gut microbiome of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from two distinct environments: a cultured pond and a natural lake. Using 16S rRNA Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), the microbial communities within the gastrointestinal tract were characterized, and the impact of habitat on microbial diversity and composition was assessed. This study represents the first NGS-based study of the Nile tilapia microbiome in Malaysia. The findings showed that the lake population had significantly higher microbial diversity than the cultured pond population, likely attributable to the more diverse and natural diet in the lake. The dominant bacterial phyla differed by habitat, with Fusobacteriota (41.4 %) prevailing in lake samples and Firmicutes (71.1 %) in pond samples. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) revealed significant differences in gut microbiota between habitats. Despite these differences in microbial composition, most phyla were shared across both populations. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the gut microbiome of tilapia reared under Malaysian conditions, offering data to support the optimization of tilapia feed and management practices.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Oceanography
Subject: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Subject: Aquatic Science
Divisions: International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejar.2025.10.005
Publisher: National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries
Keywords: Aquaculture; Gut microbiome; Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS); Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Depositing User: Ms. Siti Radziah Mohamed@mahmod
Date Deposited: 03 Jul 2026 00:20
Last Modified: 03 Jul 2026 00:20
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.1016/j.ejar.2025.10.005
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/126789
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