Feeding Rapidly Alters Microbiome Composition and Gene Transcription in the Clownfish Gut

Despite extensive study of intestinal microbiome diversity and the role of diet type in structuring gut microbial communities, we know very little about short-term changes in the intestinal microbiome as a result of feeding alone. Sampling microbiomes over a feeding cycle will allow us to differentiate opportunistic, feeding-responsive microbes from resident, potentially commensal members of the gut community. Also, since feeding has the potential to alter microbiome structure, sampling at different points relative to the last feeding event will likely yield different conclusions about microbiome composition and function. This variation should be addressed in comparative microbiome studies. Our study contributes to knowledge of short-term changes in the gut microbiome associated with feeding events.