Identification and distribution of bacteria associated with laboratory cultures of hydra pseudoligactis

Abstract

Six genera of bacteria, Flavobacterium, Brevibacterium, Escherichia, Salmonella, Arizona, and Staphylococcus were isolated from a laboratory population of Hydra pseudoligactis fed Artemia nauplii. The population of total bacteria and the percentages of each kind remain constant with time. A significant difference exists between the types of bacteria most closely associated with the inside and outer surface of the hydra itself and with the culture media. The genera Salmonella and Arizona are the most prevalent bacteria in the media: 50 ~ 2%. Flavobacterium (orange) are the most prevalent on the hydra's outer surface: 78 ± 1%. Flavobacterium (yellow) are the most common on the inside of the hydra: 78 ± 1%.