Bacterial pathogens isolated from turbot ( <i>Scophthalmus maximus</i> ) in Türkiye: Preliminary findings from a one-year study

Turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus ) is a key representative species in flatfish aquaculture, known for its rapid growth and high meat yield, making it economically significant. Vibriosis, caused by various Vibrio species, continues to result in substantial economic losses in marine aquaculture worldwide. This study investigated bacterial diseases in cultured juvenile turbots throughout a year. Partial 16S rRNA sequences from all bacterial isolates were analyzed by comparison with sequences in the GenBank database, and accession numbers were deposited accordingly. Sixteen bacterial isolates representing eight species, primarily Vibrio spp., were identified using partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. All isolates were sensitive to enrofloxacin, florfenicol, and gentamicin, while resistance was observed against penicillin, amoxicillin, and others. This study provides critical insights into the bacterial agents related to flatfish aquaculture, contributing to the systematics and molecular epidemiology of turbot bacterial flora. Notably, as the first report focusing on Türkiye’s turbot production, it offers valuable perspectives on the ecological distribution, pathogenicity, and adaptation of bacteria, thereby establishing a foundation for future research in turbot pathology and aquatic microbiology.