Octopus Skin Microbiome

Project goal was to identify and characterize the skin microbiome for two wild, sympatric octopuses through novel, rigorous fieldwork. Our results demonstrate that octopus have a unique skin microbiome differing from the environment and the potential for host species-specific bacteria for these co-occurring octopuses. Identification of beneficial symbionts and pathogens are essential for the health of this important animal group, especially under stressful environmental conditions that are predicted in the near future.