Flavobacterium psychrophilum strain DK095

Flavobacterium psychrophilum strain DK095 is a psychrophilic, aerobic bacterium characterized by its rod shape and the presence of flagella, though it does not exhibit mobility. This strain is a chemoheterotroph, deriving its energy from organic compounds rather than photosynthesis. It thrives at an optimal temperature of 15°C and is adapted to cold environments, with a temperature range suitable for growth in cold water habitats. F. psychrophilum is known to infect fish, particularly Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) and members of the Salmonidae family, causing significant health issues such as bacterial cold water disease and rainbow trout fry syndrome. These diseases can have detrimental effects on fish populations, leading to economic losses in aquaculture and impacting natural ecosystems. This strain has a single replicon and does not form spores, which is a notable trait for its classification and study. Its genomic information is accessible under the accession number FYCI00000000.1, providing a basis for further research into its pathogenic mechanisms and ecological roles. The ecological insight from studying Flavobacterium psychrophilum strain DK095 highlights the importance of understanding microbial interactions in aquatic environments, particularly how pathogenic bacteria can influence fish health and population dynamics in cold water ecosystems.