Time Series Resolution of the Fish Necrobiome Reveals a Decomposer Succession Involving Toxigenic Bacterial Pathogens

The microbial decomposition of animal tissues is an important ecological process that impacts nutrient cycling in natural environments. We studied the microbial decomposition of a common North American fish (rainbow darters) over four time points, combining 16S rRNA gene and shotgun metagenomic sequence data to obtain both taxonomic and functional perspectives. Our data revealed a strong community succession that was reproduced across different fish and environments. Decomposition time point was the main driver of community composition and functional potential; fish environmental origin (upstream or downstream of a wastewater treatment plant) had a secondary effect. We also identified strains related to the putative pathogen Aeromonas veronii as dominant members of the decomposition community. These bacteria peaked early in decomposition and coincided with the metagenomic abundance of hemolytic toxin genes. Our work reveals a strong decomposer succession in wild-caught fish, providing functional and taxonomic insights into the vertebrate necrobiome.

Time Series Resolution of the Fish Necrobiome Reveals a Decomposer Succession Involving Toxigenic Bacterial Pathogens Journal Articles