Changes in gut-associated flora and bacterial digestive enzymes during the development stages of abalone (Haliotis diversicolor)

► We investigate the development of gut microflora in the small abalone Haliotis diversicolor. ► We study the effect of various diet on the bacterial communities. ► An unique but interrelated bacterial flora are developed in the abalone gut. ► The successional changes are coincident with the shift in diets. ► The artificial diets interrupt the succession of gut bacterial flora.