Scientists found that certain bacteria living in mangrove swamps in Malaysia could be used as a nutritious food for tiny shrimp called Artemia, which are commonly used to feed fish in hatcheries. When researchers tested one type of bacteria called Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain AZR1 as food for Artemia, the shrimp grew bigger, stayed healthier, and fought off harmful bacteria better than shrimp fed traditional foods like yeast. This discovery could help fish farmers produce healthier fish while spending less money on expensive feed ingredients.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether special bacteria from mangrove mud could be used as healthy, affordable food for tiny shrimp (Artemia) that are fed to fish in hatcheries
  • Who participated: Researchers tested two types of bacteria isolated from Malaysian mangrove ecosystems and then fed one type to Artemia shrimp in laboratory conditions
  • Key finding: Artemia fed with the bacteria strain AZR1 grew larger (9.6-10.11 mm), had better immune systems, survived disease better (91.67% survival when exposed to harmful bacteria), and had better nutrition compared to shrimp fed yeast or other common feeds
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new, cheaper, and healthier way to feed fish in hatcheries, though more testing in real-world farm conditions would be needed before widespread use. If successful, it could lead to more affordable and sustainable fish farming.

The Research Details

Scientists collected two types of purple bacteria from mangrove sediment in Malaysia and grew them in the laboratory to study their properties. They measured how fast the bacteria grew, how much color-producing compounds (carotenoids) they made, and their nutritional content including proteins and healthy fats. They then selected the best-performing bacteria strain and fed it to Artemia shrimp in controlled laboratory conditions. The shrimp fed this bacteria were compared to shrimp fed traditional foods (baker’s yeast and a plant-based product called Palm Kernel Cake) to see which group grew best, stayed healthiest, and fought off disease most effectively.

This research approach is important because it tests a completely new, natural food source that could replace expensive commercial feeds. By studying the bacteria’s nutritional content first and then testing it on actual Artemia, the researchers could see if the bacteria would work in real conditions. This step-by-step approach helps ensure the findings are reliable before recommending it to fish farmers.

The study used scientific methods to identify the bacteria through genetic testing (16S rRNA sequencing), measured multiple important outcomes (growth, nutrition, disease resistance, immune function), and compared results to established control feeds. However, the study was conducted only in laboratory conditions, not on actual fish farms, so results may differ in real-world settings. The research was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication.

What the Results Show

When researchers compared two bacteria strains, strain AZR1 was clearly superior. It grew faster and produced more beneficial color compounds (carotenoids) that are important for health. When AZR1 was used as food for Artemia shrimp, the results were impressive: the shrimp grew to about 10 millimeters in length, which was larger than shrimp fed traditional foods. More importantly, when these shrimp were exposed to harmful bacteria (Vibrio campbellii), 91.67% survived, compared to much lower survival rates in shrimp fed other foods. The water in tanks with AZR1-fed shrimp also stayed cleaner, with much lower levels of ammonia (a toxic waste product), suggesting the bacteria helped maintain a healthier environment.

The shrimp fed AZR1 bacteria showed signs of stronger immune systems, with increased activity of protective proteins (Hsp70, Hsp90, and proPO) that help fight disease. The nutritional content of the shrimp themselves improved, with higher protein levels and beneficial color compounds. Interestingly, while a plant-based feed (PKC Nutri+) had slightly higher levels of certain healthy fats (PUFAs), the AZR1 bacteria was free from harmful mold toxins (mycotoxins) that can sometimes contaminate plant-based feeds, making it a safer choice overall.

This research builds on previous studies showing that bacteria can be used as sustainable food sources in aquaculture. The findings align with earlier research suggesting that carotenoid-rich foods improve immune function in aquatic animals. However, this is one of the first studies to specifically test mangrove-derived purple bacteria as a complete feed for Artemia, making it a novel contribution to sustainable aquaculture practices.

The study was conducted entirely in laboratory conditions with controlled tanks, not on actual fish farms where conditions are more variable. The sample sizes and number of replicates are not clearly specified in the abstract. The research tested only Artemia shrimp, so it’s unclear if the same benefits would apply to other aquaculture species. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of producing this bacteria at large scale for commercial use has not been evaluated. More testing would be needed to confirm these results work in real-world farming conditions.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, the bacteria strain AZR1 shows promise as a potential feed supplement for Artemia in hatcheries (moderate confidence level). However, before fish farmers should switch to this feed, additional studies in real farm conditions are needed to confirm effectiveness, determine optimal dosing, and evaluate production costs. This is an experimental finding that requires further validation.

Fish hatchery operators and aquaculture farmers should follow this research, as it could eventually lead to cheaper, healthier, and more sustainable feed options. Consumers interested in sustainably-raised fish may benefit if this technology is adopted. However, this research is too preliminary for home aquarium hobbyists to implement without further development and commercial availability.

If this research leads to commercial development, it would likely take 2-5 years of additional testing before the product could be available to fish farmers. Benefits to shrimp growth and health appeared within the study period (likely weeks), but long-term effects on fish quality and farm profitability would need to be evaluated over months to years.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you manage an aquaculture operation, track weekly measurements of: (1) feed cost per unit of animal growth, (2) water quality parameters (ammonia levels, pH), and (3) disease incidence rates. Compare these metrics before and after any feed changes.
  • For aquaculture professionals: Stay informed about emerging sustainable feed alternatives by following aquaculture research journals and industry publications. Consider reaching out to research institutions to learn about participating in field trials of new feed technologies when they become available.
  • Establish baseline measurements of your current feed’s performance (growth rates, water quality, disease resistance) before trying any new feed. Monitor the same metrics consistently over at least 2-3 production cycles to determine if changes are effective and sustainable.

This research describes laboratory findings about using bacteria as feed for Artemia shrimp and is not yet ready for commercial application. The study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions and has not been tested in real-world fish farming operations. Before any fish farmer or hatchery operator changes their feeding practices based on this research, they should consult with aquaculture specialists and wait for additional field studies confirming these results. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional advice from aquaculture experts or veterinarians. Always follow local regulations regarding feed additives and aquaculture practices in your region.