Article by: Nur Hidayahanum Hamid

Source: University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

A study by scientists at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology reveals that probiotics, such as those found in yogurt, can significantly benefit fish, particularly zebrafish. The research found that feeding probiotics to baby zebrafish accelerated their development and improved their survival rates into adulthood. This discovery has important implications for both ornamental fish breeding and aquaculture, as it could make raising fish larvae more efficient and sustainable.

Zebrafish are commonly used in genetic research due to their rapid growth, transparent embryos, and genetic similarities to humans. In this study, researchers introduced Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a probiotic strain often used in yogurt, into the zebrafish's water. The fish absorbed the probiotic through their gills, allowing it to colonize their gastrointestinal tract. This colonization prevented harmful bacteria from taking over and promoted growth, including the development of bones, vertebrae, and gonads. The probiotic also reduced stress levels in the fish, which likely contributed to their enhanced maturation and survival.

The survival rate of zebrafish larvae increased from 70% to 90% when probiotics were added to their environment. This improvement is particularly significant during the weaning period, when fish transition from relying on their yolk sac to external food sources—a critical phase with high mortality rates.

The findings also have potential applications for human health. Jacques Ravel, a genomic scientist at the University of Maryland, highlighted the study's relevance for understanding the benefits of probiotics in human development, particularly in premature infants. This research underscores the broader potential of probiotics in both aquaculture and human medicine.

Picture 1: A new study finds that feeding probiotics, like those found in yogurt, to zebrafish accelerated the development of their vertebrae and increased their chances of survival into adulthood. Credit: Institute of Marine & Environmental Technology, Baltimore, Maryland.

Date of Input: 12/02/2025 | Updated: 12/02/2025 | hidayahanum