Gastrointestinal microbiome of wild and cage-reared Nile tilapia (GIFT) in PNG. Oreochromis niloticus

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), particularly the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia [GIFT] strain, is one of the most important freshwater fish species in aquaculture. GIFT are traditionally farmed in earthen ponds, however cage-based culture has become increasingly popular, resulting in an increased reliance on commercial fish feeds. Commercial fish feeds can increase the productivity of fish farms, but may alter the natural feeding habits and gut microbiome of nearby fish populations, influencing their ability to digest and assimilate nutrients. This study aimed to identify differences in the bacterial composition and predicted function of cage-reared and wild-caught GIFT within a freshwater reservoir.