Fig. 1
From: Elasmobranch microbiomes: emerging patterns and implications for host health and ecology
Sampling elasmobranch microbiomes poses physical and technical challenges. Sampling techniques vary among species, locations, and research groups. Microbiome samples have been collected by freediving and swabbing free-swimming animals (A) or immobilizing individuals out of water and collecting microbial biomass by swabbing or using custom equipment, such as modified suction devices (B with inset). Sampling large pelagic individuals may involve modified vessels equipped with platforms that raise and secure caught individuals (C, D), providing a unique opportunity to sample species that are hard to capture and restrain. Panel A Gill swab from a free-swimming whale shark (Simon Pierce, Marine Megafauna Foundation). Panel B Supersucker sampling device (inset: Michael Doane, Flinders University) being used to sample a leopard shark (Elizabeth Dinsdale, Flinders University). Panel C White shark on submerged OCEARCH platform (Robert Snow, OCEARCH). Panel D White shark on raised OCEACH platform being secured prior to sampling (Robert Snow, OCEARCH)