Identification of intestinal microflora in rainbow trout

Identification of intestinal microflora in rainbow trout

Although trout farming is well established in Korea, very little information is available on the composition of intestinal microflora in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii). In 1994, from October through November, we investigated the composition and succession of intestinal bacteria. As fish grew, total viable counts increased dramatically until 45 days after fertilization when anaerobes started to appear on the media. After this time, they increased steadily. Ten aerobic generic were identified and Gram negative bacteria constituted 85% of total isolates. Among these, Pseudomonas, Eikenella, and Alcaligenes were the three major genera. Six anaerobic genera were isolated and identified. The ratio of anaerobes to aerobes was about 1 : 1 in adult trout and the composition of genera was changed under different conditions.