Considering the increasing demand and scope for aquaculture of crucifix crab Charybdis (Charybdis) feriata (Linnaeus, 1758) an attempt was made to study its intestinal bacterial diversity. The intestinal bacterial diversity of C. feriata from three different sites along the Kerala coast was examined using conventional biochemical techniques as well as by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The total bacterial count in the intestine of C. feriata ranged from 1.5×106 to 3.2×106cfu.g-1 (colony forming unit per g tissue). The predominant isolates were genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Microbacterium and  Dermacoccus . Among these two isolates one having protease and other with amylase and cellulase activity were selected for molecular characterization by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. They were identified as Microbacterium oxydans KU937308 and Dermacoccus abyssi KU937309 respectively. Since protease, amylase and cellulase are important in the areas of food processing, detergent, textile, pharmaceutical products, dairy, beverages and feed industries the isolates can be further screened for such applications. Dermacoccus abyssi has been found to be useful in biocleaning of industrial dye baths and Microbacterium oxydans in reutilization of brownseaweed waste.

Charybdis feriata , intestinal bacterial diversity, Microbacterium oxydans, Dermacoccus abyssi