Differences in Intestinal Microbial Composition between Red Claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) Cultured in Pond

Intestinal microbiota communities participate in several metabolic processes in the host, and are highly correlated to digestion, nutrition, growth, and immunity. However, the intestinal microbiota of aquatic invertebrates is poorly understood, especially in freshwater crayfish. In this study, the intestinal microbiota of two important freshwater economic aquaculture species, the invasive species, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii, Pc), and the introduced species, the red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus, Cq), were investigated. The results showed that the community richness and diversity of Pc were higher than those of Cq, which might be one of the reasons that Pc have stronger environmental adaptability than Cq. Five core phyla were identified in the Pc group, including Proteobacteria (26.92%), Tenericutes (25.73%), Bacteroidetes (25.12%), Firmicutes (14.03%), and RsaHF231 (8.02%), and three phyla were detected in the Cq group, including Tenericutes (67.35%), Proteobacteria (25.98%), and Firmicutes (4.69%). In Pc and Cq groups, Proteobacteria exhibited significant differential abundance between males and females. In addition, Vibrio coralliilyticus were found particularly in the intestine of Cq. This study provides information on intestinal microbiota differences of Pc and Cq, contributing to the development of new dietary formulations and providing significance to future aquaculture.

Automated summary

This study investigated the intestinal microbiota of two important freshwater crayfish species, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii, Pc) and the red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus, Cq). The results showed that Pc had higher community richness and diversity compared to Cq, suggesting its stronger environmental adaptability. The core phyla identified in Pc were Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and RsaHF231, while Tenericutes, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes were detected in Cq. Proteobacteria exhibited significant differential abundance between males and females in both Pc and Cq. Additionally, Vibrio coralliilyticus was found particularly in the intestine of Cq.