Bacteria and algae can work together until the bacteria murder their friends

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

A fascinating read that may ultimately have implications for pests in reefs and how we control them (in ways we never considered, such as adding or removing DMSP).

Some 'friendly' bacteria backstab their algal pals. Now we know why

The friendly relationship between Emiliana huxleyi and Roseobacter turns deadly when the bacteria get a whiff of the algae’s aging-related chemicals.

www.sciencenews.org

This is DMSP:

 

[Miami Reef]

Can this explain why my chrysophyte bloom just went away randomly? I’ll take it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Can this explain why my chrysophyte bloom just went away randomly? I’ll take it.

There's just lots we don't know.

 

[Dan_P]

A fascinating read that may ultimately have implications for pests in reefs and how we control them (in ways we never considered, such as adding or removing DMSP).

Some 'friendly' bacteria backstab their algal pals. Now we know why

The friendly relationship between Emiliana huxleyi and Roseobacter turns deadly when the bacteria get a whiff of the algae’s aging-related chemicals.

www.sciencenews.org

This is DMSP:

I believe this is one of the sources of the dimethylsulfide we smell at the beach.

I would share your optimism if we had pelagic pests.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I believe this is one of the sources of the dimethylsulfide we smell at the beach.

I would share your optimism if we had pelagic pests.

Yes, I'm not proposing any specific dosing, just that we may find solutions that we haven't thought of before that change bacteria into algae murderers.

 

[Dan_P]

Yes, I'm not proposing any specific dosing, just that we may find solutions that we haven't thought of before that change bacteria into algae murderers.

I am feeling philosophical…how do we know that the solution doesn’t already exists in aquaria that aren’t plagued by algae pests? We typically chalk up such successes to good practices, but just maybe, luck was involved in having the right bacteria/fungi/virus.

 

[ReefGeezer]

Coming soon to BRStv, Dr. Phil's DMSP Formula. "Murder your algae problem safely with bacteria".

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I am feeling philosophical…how do we know that the solution doesn’t already exists in aquaria that aren’t plagued by algae pests? We typically chalk up such successes to good practices, but just maybe, luck was involved in having the right bacteria/fungi/virus.

True.

 

[Miami Reef]

I am feeling philosophical…how do we know that the solution doesn’t already exists in aquaria that aren’t plagued by algae pests? We typically chalk up such successes to good practices, but just maybe, luck was involved in having the right bacteria/fungi/virus.

Is that why live rock is so recommended?

 

[Tony Thompson]

Very interesting article thanks @Randy Holmes-Farley , hope you are well.

Although my current personal interest is more geared to fish and coral immune systems and animal welfare. Besides phyto, the clade Roseobacter (mentioned in the article) also contains some species that can attack fish pathogens.

With regards your question @Dan_P ("how do we know that the solution doesn’t already exists in aquaria that aren’t plagued by algae pests?") , It may be of interest to yourself that the family Rhodobacteraceae are included in the tests by Aquabiomics.

With regards closed systems such as aquariums, there is some further information concerning the genus Roseobacter in this article attached.

I must make the caveat that it my understanding that microbiome is still an area of much needed further research before more confident conclusions can be formed.

Which makes it all the more interesting.

After a quick search I found Sodium Benzoate (also mentioned in the article) used in planted aquariums.

PS. (DMSP) Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (would not like to pronounce that after a few beers) reminds me of village names in Wales (UK).

 

[Dan_P]

Very interesting article thanks @Randy Holmes-Farley , hope you are well.

Although my current personal interest is more geared to fish and coral immune systems and animal welfare. Besides phyto, the clade Roseobacter (mentioned in the article) also contains some species that can attack fish pathogens.

With regards your question @Dan_P ("how do we know that the solution doesn’t already exists in aquaria that aren’t plagued by algae pests?") , It may be of interest to yourself that the family Rhodobacteraceae are included in the tests by Aquabiomics.

With regards closed systems such as aquariums, there is some further information concerning the genus Roseobacter in this article attached.

I must make the caveat that it my understanding that microbiome is still an area of much needed further research before more confident conclusions can be formed.

Which makes it all the more interesting.

After a quick search I found Sodium Benzoate (also mentioned in the article) used in planted aquariums.

PS. (DMSP) Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (would not like to pronounce that after a few beers) reminds me of village names in Wales (UK).

Thanks for the paper.

Benthic algae species abundance likely also varies and oscillates within our aquaria, but we typically don’t notice it. I have noticed because of the periodic sampling of aquarium water and inoculating of plastic and glass surfaces with it.

There is the easy to notice filamentous algae species waxing and waning. The trickier to see are the micro algae, including cyanobacteria. I have to wonder whether how an aquarium is started and maintained influence the waxing and waning of species.