Isolation of gut associated bacteria from <em>Callinectes amnicola</em> (Crustacea: Portunidae) collected from two interconnecting tropical lagoons in Nigeria

The occurrence and relative distribution of bacterial flora associated with the gut crab Callinectes amnicola, as well sediment water, from Badagry Epe Lagoons, were investigated. water samples Lagoon had highest total bacteria count 7.5±1.2 x 107 cfug-1, whereas lowest 3.6±0.5 cfug-1. analyzed plate counts C. included heterotrophic bacteria, coliform faecal which greater in than although these differences not significant (p>0.05). values recorded for EpeLaggon 4.5±0.2 3.4±0.1 105 cfug-1and 1.5±0.3 cfug-1for respectively. All nine (9) identified isolates, exception Streptococcus sp, largely gram-negative Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sp., Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus Aeromonas hydrophila Vibrio cholera. Except was absent during study period, isolates found this comparable both locations. most common amnicola obtained two interconnected lagoons A. hydrophilaand E. coli. This is useful authorities to develop coastal contamination monitoring strategies quantify human health risks connected consumption aquatic crabs.