Bacillus velezensis is a powerful ally in aquaculture due to its ability to produce a wide range of natural antibiotics and digestive enzymes. As a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium, B. velezensis exhibits exceptional resilience to harsh environmental conditions, tolerating salinity levels up to 60‰, a broad pH range from 5 to 9, and temperatures between 25–37°C. Its capacity to biosynthesize over 15 types of antibiotics and more than 20 different enzymes makes this bacterium a versatile biological factory, ready to perform effectively in diverse farming environments.
Benefits of Bacillus velezensis in Aquaculture
Strong Antibacterial Activity
B. velezensis produces a diverse range of antibacterial compounds belonging to three main groups: lipopeptides (such as fengycin, surfactin, iturin A), polyketides (including oxydifficidin, difficidin), and bacteriocins (like amylocyclicin).
These compounds act through multiple mechanisms: disrupting bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting protein synthesis at the ribosome level, and creating pores in the membranes of pathogenic bacteria
Notably, oxydifficidin exhibits high efficacy against Vibrio parahaemolyticus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of only 4 µg/mL, while fengycin strongly inhibits Aeromonas hydrophila.
Organic Matter Decomposition
Bacillus velezensis produces over 20 different enzymes, notably protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase, which rapidly break down organic matter such as sludge, algal residues, and leftover feed in aquaculture ponds.
When included in feed, B. velezensis secretes large amounts of extracellular enzymes with high activity that effectively support digestion and improve feed conversion efficiency.
Additionally, the enzyme system of B. velezensis helps combat harmful bacterial populations through a Quorum Quenching mechanism that disrupts biofilm defenses, combined with the production of potent antibacterial compounds to eliminate pathogens.
Figure. High concentrations of Bacillus velezensis inhibit Vibrio spp.
Kondee Chauyod et al. (2022)
Supporting Gut Health and Enhancing Growth Performance
Bacillus velezensis establishes a balanced gut microbiota through three mechanisms: eliminating pathogenic bacteria (reducing Vibrio and Aeromonas by 90%), stimulating the proliferation of beneficial bacteria (increasing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium threefold), and protecting the intestinal mucosa (enhancing mucin production by 40% through activation of the MUC2 gene).
As a result, the animals show significant improvements in digestion efficiency and nutrient absorption.
Table. Effects of different supplementation levels of B. velezensis on the growth performance and survival rate of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Supplementation levels in feed: BV1 (105 CFU/g), BV2 (107 CFU/g), and BV3 (109 CFU/g).
With its outstanding antibacterial properties, digestive support, and microbiota balancing abilities, Bacillus velezensis truly represents an optimal biological solution for sustainable aquaculture
The Bacillus velezensis product from Truong Hai Tien Co., Ltd. not only meets high technical standards but also delivers practical effectiveness, helping farmers minimize disease risks, increase productivity, and move toward safe aquaculture practices without the overuse of antibiotics. This is a reliable choice for those seeking to invest in modern, environmentally friendly biological technology solutions.
