Microorganisms in Aquaculture Development

Abstract

Microbes found in aquaculture are usually from source water, feeds including augmented live foods. 
These microbes are found in the gills, intestine, muscles and on the surface of fish, shrimps, 
crustaceans and other aquatic organisms. Microorganisms in aquaculture play several roles including 
their use as live food, food supplements, probiotics, in pond aeration and in the purification of 
aquarium. As food, microbes provide the essential nutrients such as vitamins, enzymes, 
polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, pigments and steroids; and serve as carbon and nitrogen 
sources. Microbial diversity in aquaculture depends largely on the quality (physicochemical properties) 
of the farm water and this has greatly influenced the growth of every aquaculture. Fungi, Bacteria, 
Protozoa, Helminthes and Microalgae are present in aquaculture, each performing its unique role in the 
ecosystem. While some are beneficial, others are not. They are used as probiotics to check the growth 
of some pathogenic microorganisms thereby reducing the incidence of aquarium diseases. Microbial 
live foods include Bacteria, Fungi, Microalgae and Protozoa. Microbes used as live food include lactic 
acid bacteria, Bacillus, Chlorella vulgaris, Saccharomyces and Aspergellus. These live foods have the 
advantage of small size, ease of digestion and ability to stimulate enzyme synthesis. Besides, microbes 
function in pond purification (biofilters) as well as its bioenergetic cycle. Microalgae, specifically aerate 
ponds through the release of oxygen during photosynthesis. The beneficial role of microbes has 
contributed immensely to the growth, development and sustainability of aquaculture.