Gut microbiome of freshwater Unionidae mussels

The gut bacteria of four co-occurring freshwater mussel species, Cyclonaias asperata, Fusconaia cerina, Lampsilis ornata, and Obovaria unicolor were assessed from individuals collected from a 50 km stretch of the Sipsey River in Alabama, USA. Mussel gut bacterial microbiota differed significantly from bacteria suspended on particles in the water column, suggesting selective retention by the host. There were significant differences in bacterial composition between the four species as well as between sites within a single species.