Phylogenetic diversity of epibiotic bacteria in the accessory nidamental glands of squids (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae and Idiosepiidae)

Bacterial communities were identified from the accessory nidamental glands (ANGs) of European and Western Pacific squids of the families Loliginidae and Idiosepiidae, as also in the egg capsules, embryo and yolk of two loliginid squid species, and in the entire egg of one idiosepiid squid species. The results of phylogenetic analyses of 16S RNA gene (rDNA) confirmed that several phylotypes of α-proteobacteria, γ-proteobacteria and Cytophaga–Flavobacteria–Bacteroides phylum were present as potential symbiotic associations within the ANGs. Several identified clones were related to reference strains, while others had no known close relatives. Gram positive strains were rare in loliginid squids. Several bacterial groups may play important roles in the function of the ANGs, such as production of the toxic compounds involved in egg protection and carotenoid pigments. Within the eggs, no bacteria were associated with embryo or yolk of Loligo vulgaris and Sepioteuthis lessoniana, but α- and γ-proteobacteria were present in the egg capsules. Most bacterial strains detected in the egg capsules were the same as those found in the ANGs. The cephalopods of temperate regions (European cuttlefishes and the squid L. vulgaris) appear to be associated with one Agrobacterium strain (Agro2) while tropical-subtropical strains (Asian and Australian loliginids) are associated with Silicibacter-related strains, suggesting a biogeographic clustering for the Agrobacterium-like strains.