Probiotics are viable cell preparations that have beneficial
effects on the health of a host by improving its feed value, enzymatic
contribution to digestion, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms,
ant-mutagenic and ant-carcinogenic activities, growth
promoting factors and an increased immune response [7]. The
probiotics may play a considerable role as immunostimulants and
antimicrobial agents [8]. The research on the use of probiotics in
aquatic animals is increasing with the demand for eco-friendly
aquaculture [9]. The common probiotics used in carp-culture
belongs to Lactobacillus spp., Bacillus spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
and Lactococcus spp. [8,10e12]. Many of these probiotics are
non-pathogenic and can survive in the gut and remain effective for
long period under storage and field condition [12]. Dietary
administration of Lactobacillus spp. enhanced the growth, innate
immune responses, and disease resistance of the grouper Epinephelus
coiodes [13], Epinephelus bruneus [8], cobia Rachycentron
canadum [10], and nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus