Effects of Bacillus licheniformis on the water quality, growth performance and bacterial community in Penaeus vannamei aquaculture system

This study demonstrated that <i>B. licheniformis</i> significantly improved water quality and shrimp growth performance in <i>P. vannamei</i> aquaculture. It effectively reduced pH, ammonia and nitrite levels, while also decreasing <i>Vibrio</i> counts, which are critical for disease control. <i>B. licheniformis</i> enhanced microbial diversity in both aquaculture water and shrimp intestines, promoting the abundance of beneficial genera, while reducing potential pathogens. The alteration in bacterial community structure suggests that <i>B. licheniformis</i> plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy microbial ecosystem, enhancing shrimp health and growth, and providing an environmentally sustainable alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture practices. These findings underscore the potential of <i>B. licheniformis</i> for improving <i>P. vannamei</i> aquaculture systems.