Metagenomic sequencing of isopod ecoparasite Tachaea chinensis

Parasitic isopods attack a variety of commercially important fish and crustacean hosts by attaching to the host integument via the mandibles, then feeding on hemolymph and exudate from the wounds. Such isopods, may carry and harbor microbiota like other hematophagous parasites. However, those microbiota flora composition and contribution has not been well investigated and evaluated. In the present study, the metagenomic approach was used to analyze the abundance and diversity of microbiota community in Tachaea chinensis, by comparing Panjin (freshwater), Rudong (brackish water) and Yancheng (seawater) individuals in China