Host identity and symbiotic association affects the genetic and functional diversity of the clownfish-hosting sea anemone microbiome

Abstract

16All eukaryotic life engages in symbioses with a diverse community of bacteria that are essential 17 for performing basic life functions. In many cases, eukaryotic organisms form additional 18 symbioses with other macroscopic eukaryotes. The tightly-linked physical interactions that 19 characterize many macroscopic symbioses creates opportunities for microbial transfer, which 20 likely affects the diversity and function of individual microbiomes, and may ultimately lead to 21Taken together our study reveals an even deeper metabolic coupling between clownfishes and 32 their host anemones, and what could be a previously unknown mutualistic benefit to anemones 33 that are symbiotic with clownfishes. 34 35