Microbiomes of Gambierdiscus lewisii from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

The microbiomes associated with algae can have a substantial influence on host algal cell physiology and health. We examined the relative abundance and core microbiomes of the toxic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus lewisii cultured from inner (Palm Islands) and outer (Bramble Reef) reef locations on the Great Barrier Reef (Queensland, Australia). Cell-associated (attached) and culture mediumassociated microbiomes (unattached) were compared. Both attached and unattached microbiomes of inner reef cultures were dominated by Proteobacteria (Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria) whereas outer reef culture microbiomes were dominated by Gammaproteobacteria and Flavobacteriia. Core attached microbiomes of outer reef cultures were more diverse, including Varunaivibrio sulfuroxidans, Thalassospira povalilytica, Marinobacter salarius and Labrenzia aggregata as additional taxa. In conclusion, this study indicated that microbial community within species may differ due to variations in geographical distribution or ecosystem structure.