DNA reveals chemosynthesis genes in bacteria living on coral reef fish gills

DNA reveals chemosynthesis genes in bacteria living on coral reef fish gills

Chemosynthetic bacteria have been documented in various marine environments and in association with invertebrate hosts such as annelid worms and mollusks, but their presence in fish appears to be a new discovery. The findings show that fish gills host a complex and specialized microbiome that is not yet well understood but could play an important role in fish metabolism, immunity and health.