Metagenome sequencing and recovery of 444 metagenome-assembled genomes from the biofloc aquaculture system

Abstract

Biofloc technology is increasingly recognised as a sustainable aquaculture method. In this technique, bioflocs are generated as microbial aggregates that play pivotal roles in assimilating toxic nitrogenous substances, thereby ensuring high water quality. Despite the crucial roles of the floc-associated bacterial (FAB) community in pathogen control and animal health, earlier microbiota studies have primarily relied on the metataxonomic approaches. Here, we employed shotgun sequencing on eight biofloc metagenomes from a commercial aquaculture system. This resulted in the generation of 106.6 Gbp, and the reconstruction of 444 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Among the recovered MAGs, 230 were high-quality (≥90% completeness, ≤5% contamination), and 214 were medium-quality (≥50% completeness, ≤10% contamination). Phylogenetic analysis unveiled Rhodobacteraceae as dominant members of the FAB community. The reported metagenomes and MAGs are crucial for elucidating the roles of diverse microorganisms and their functional genes in key processes such as nitrification, denitrification, and remineralization. This study will contribute to scientific understanding of phylogenetic diversity and metabolic capabilities of microbial taxa in aquaculture environments.