Comparative analysis of the gut microbiota of Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) feeding on compound diets and live baits

The purpose of this study is to explore the gut microbiota differences between mandarin fish that feed on live bait and feedstuff groups. Because a significant bodyweight variation exists in the feedstuff-eating groups, so we further focus on the differences within the large and small individuals of the feedstuff-eating fish. Mandarin fish eats prey fish to its nature. When forced to eat artificial diets, some of them accept feed easily while others were reluctant. So it is worth investigating their differences in gut microbiota which might be associated with the acceptance of diets.