Microenvironments of black-tip reef sharks provide niche habitats for distinct bacterial communities

Summary: This study investigates the microbiome communities associated with black-tip reef sharks and reveals distinct bacterial profiles that correspond with specific microhabitats occupied by these animals. The findings suggest that the microenvironment of individual sharks plays a critical role in shaping their skin-associated bacterial communities, with implications for understanding host-microbe interactions in marine systems. The research highlights the utility of sharks as mobile marine platforms that reflect ecological variation and environmental health. Such microbial signatures may serve as valuable biomarkers for habitat assessment, contributing to future conservation and monitoring strategies in coral reef ecosystems.

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