Background:

Genus Bacillus is among the most widely studied bacteria used as probiotics in aquaculture. Besides its bioflocculant activity, it can offer other benefits, such as nitrogen recycling in the culture pond.

Aim:

To review the application of Bacillus in shrimp culture, particularly due to its bioflocculant effects on Biofloc systems.

Development:

Bacillus sp. produces a broad range of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and antimicrobial peptides against a variety of microorganisms, in addition to improving the immune response and growth of cultured animals and disease control. The bioflocculant potential of Bacillus species makes these bacteria good candidates for use in Penaeus vannamei cultures in Bioflock systems.

Conclusions:

However, new bioflocculant Bacillus strains must be isolated and characterized, along with an evaluation of the bioflocculant effect on Penaeus vannamei’s metabolism and immune response.