Project information
The microbiota-parasite interactions in the success of invasive freshwater fish

Biological invasions represent one of the major threats to biodiversity in freshwaters, with invasive alien species negatively impacting native biota. Symbiotic microorganisms play a significant role in the health performance of their hosts, and act on their ecology (interactions with environment) and evolution (adaptation to change). However, little is known about the role of microbiota in host invasion success in recipient ecosystems. Alien species may contribute to a loss of microbial diversity and/or shift the microbial composition in the native hosts, potentially strengthening the negative impact of invasive species on native species. Moreover, native host microbiota may be modified by interactions with parasites co-introduced with their non-native hosts. This project focuses on two biological systems of invasive and naturalized/native freshwater fish species to investigate the role of microbiota in the success of invasive species and their indirect effects (parasite-mediated interactions, competition for food and space) on microbiota of the native species.