Digester associated 16S rRNA meta-profiling in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Nile perch (Lates niloticus) from Lake Victoria basin in Uganda.

Lake Victoria is the second largest fresh water lake in the world with Nile tilapia and Nile perch as the most important fish species. Nile tilapia is the second most cultured species in the world. Attempt to culture Nile perch have been futile. The aim of this study was to compare species differences between the two and explore microbiome role in fish culture. in addition we set out to compare the effect of husbandry practices, feeding regime and rearing environment on the microbioome. These will help us characterize the microbiome of Nile perch and give insight to microbiome changes in culture.