Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a Potential Probiont and Pigment Enhancer in the Ornamental Cichlid, Pseudotropheus lombardoi

Probiotics are a cultured product or live microbial feed supplement, which beneficially affects the host by improving its intestinal balance and health of the host. In the present study an attempt was made to study the effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MICC 741) as a colour enhancing probiont in addition to growth and disease resistance in the ornamental cichlid, Pseudotropheus lombardoi. The experimental fishes were fed with different concentrations of P. aeruginosa. Incorporation of P. aeruginosa to the maximum of 30 mL (10³ CFU/mL) resulted in the gain of carotenoid pigment to the tune of 400 % over the control (p < 0.05) which again showed a significant increase in the growth rate of P. lombardoi. Disease resistance against the pathogens Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Bacillus cereus which were isolated from a diseased P. lombardoi were measured by zone of inhibition. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be significantly effective in controlling both the pathogens. The investigation on P. aeruginosa proved that it not only improves the pigmentation, but also promotes growth and immunity to P. lombardoi.