Probiotic effect of FLOC on Vibrios in the pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The advantages of FLOC over clear water (CW) in rearing juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei and its effects on Vibrio communities were evaluated. Survival rate in FLOC and clear water was recorded and a probiotic was tested under both conditions. Daily growth rate (DGR) was higher in FLOC (p < 0.05) than in CW. Survival in each system increased significantly when a probiotic was included in the diet (p < 0.05). The Vibrionaceae community from the hepatopancreas (HP) and the culture medium did not differ between the two culture media. Nevertheless, a novel group of Vibrio strains was found to be unique to FLOC. No high level of lesions was observed in shrimp tissues from the FLOC + probiotic treatment; it suggests that the probiotic contributed to homeostasis and prevented outbreak of opportunistic pathogenic species.