Microbiome screening out of the suitcase lab as indicator for fish welfare in aquaria
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Introduction
- Fish excretion, -food and decaying plants lead to the release of toxic compounds such as ammonia.
- Compound metabolization by bacteria is essential for returning nitrogen back to the food chain and ensuring fish welfare.
- Together with other bacteria, viruses and microorganisms, these essential bacteria form and inhabit a microbial community, which is influenced by many factors leading to a change in its composition and size.
- Determining changes in the microbial community and the total bacterial count (tbc) can give an indication of fish welfare and the quality of the aquatic environment.