We are excited to begin our Flathead Microbiome Sampling Project!
Funded by the Port Phillip Bay Fund, we at Latrobe are working with recreational anglers to take swab samples of the gills and mucus layer upon the bodies of Flathead in our bay. As a fish’s microbiome behaves as their first line of defense against pathogens and disease it is an important indicator as to the fish’s health. Their microbiome can also be affected by environmental conditions, such as contaminants, pollution and invasive species. Therefore, by gaining an understanding of the microbial health of the flathead across the bay we can develop our understanding of the threats and challenges facing our populations.
Why Flathead?
Flathead are of interest to us in this study as they are found evenly distributed throughout the bay, and generally stay within a smaller range, therefore, by testing their microbiomes we are able to apply the health of that individual to the site where they were found. Fish populations within Port Phillip Bay are declining and under threat from natural and anthropogenic pressures. Currently however, little is known about the microbiome of native Australian fish and studies are needed to understand the contribution of each factor in determining microbiomes in and on different fish species and possible ecological implications
Contact Us
Latrobe University, 133 Mckoy St,
West Wodonga VIC 3690
Aleicia Holland
Phone
0431 083 216
Funded by the Port Phillip Bay Fund
Hooked On Microbes 
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