The complete genome sequence of two strains of Cetobacterium somerae isolated from the intestine of hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus × I. furcatus)

Authors: HUANG, JING - Mississippi State University; Older, Caitlin; JORDAN, HEATHER - Mississippi State University; YAMAMOTO, FERNANDO - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Microbiology Resource Announcements
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/24/2025
Publication Date: 6/11/2025
Citation: Huang, J., Older, C.E., Jordan, H.R., Yamamoto, .Y. 2025. The complete genome sequence of two strains of Cetobacterium somerae isolated from the intestine of hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus × I. furcatus). Microbiology Resource Announcements. 14 7. https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00080-25.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00080-25

Interpretive Summary: The bacterial populations, or microbiota, present in the catfish gut have been shown to be associated with production performance. Species of the bacterial genus Cetobacterium are often found in the intestines of catfish, but little is known regarding their role in catfish health and production. Researchers at Mississippi State University cooperated with scientists at the USDA ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit to sequence the genomes of two Cetobacterium somerae strains, MSU41 and MSU49, isolated from the digesta of hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus × I. furcatus) cultured in earthen ponds. Complete, circularized chromosomes were obtained from both bacterial isolates, in addition to several plasmids and genomic sequence identified as originating from bacteriophages. The two isolates are the first published genomes of this bacteria from hybrid catfish and will aid in further characterization of their roles in the catfish gut microbiota. This research supports the Secretary of Agriculture’s priority to increase profitability of farmers.

Technical Abstract: Two Cetobacterium somerae strains, MSU41 and MSU49, were isolated from the digesta of hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus × I. furcatus) cultured in earthen ponds in Stoneville, Mississippi, USA. The two isolates have genome sizes of 3,348,014 bp and 3,244,677 bp, both with at least 8 contigs, including single circular chromosomes of approximately 1.93 and 1.92Mb, respectively, and additional circularized contigs ranging from 10 kb to 725 kb in length.