A comprehensive overview of probiotics in aquaculture: from efficacy evaluation to diverse applications

Aquaculture is an essential sector for global food security, providing protein-rich food, reducing pressure on wild stocks, creating jobs, and contributing to national economies. However, it faces major sustainability challenges, including disease outbreaks, inefficient feed utilization, and environmental impact. The significance of probiotics in mitigating these issues is highlighted in this review. The current review underscores and highlights important considerations while developing or using probiotics in the aquaculture field: how strains are selected as candidates for probiotics in aquaculture, besides how they perform and the special benefits they offer to aquatic animals and to the environment. Important parameters for assessing the effectiveness of probiotics are covered, such as their safety and functional characteristics. The review also explores how probiotics enhance disease resistance in aquaculture, boost immunity, promote the growth of fish, improve reproductive success, and water quality. These beneficial outcomes are achieved by altering the microbial communities present in the ponds and improving the biological processes in the aquatic environment. However, a consistent, predictable, and species-specific dosing strategy remains a significant challenge for large-scale applications, which is a major bottleneck in commercial adoption. This review highlights the critical role of probiotics in aquaculture, focusing on their application in enhancing fish growth, immunity, and disease resistance while reducing antibiotic dependence.