Abstract-based review · 2022
Spirulina and Bacillus licheniformis in goldfish diets
Growth did not differ between groups. Some immune measures changed and supplementation was associated with lower mortality after bacterial challenge.
Review scope
Abstract-based review. Full methods, complete statistical results and product equivalence have not been appraised. This is research context, not an individual feeding or treatment recommendation.
Study question and design
216 goldfish in 12 tanks; three replicate tanks per treatment. Control, 2.5% Spirulina platensis, Bacillus licheniformis at 100 million CFU/g, or their combination.
Main findings
Growth did not differ between groups. Some immune measures changed and supplementation was associated with lower mortality after bacterial challenge.
Limitations and applicability
Bacillus licheniformis is not Bacillus subtilis. Combined-treatment findings cannot automatically be assigned to either ingredient alone; duration and strain were not established from the abstract.
Ingredients investigated
Direct ingredient investigations
Spirulina
Direct · goldfish. 216 goldfish in 12 tanks; 18 fish per tank and three replicate tanks per diet.
Tested form: Spirulina platensis added to feed without the Bacillus supplement. Dose: 2.5% Spirulina platensis in feed (Spirulina percentage of feed; combined probiotic level measured in colony-forming units per gram feed). Duration: Not reported in reviewed abstract. Comparator: Unsupplemented control diet.
Measured finding: Growth did not differ between groups. Immune and gene-expression measures changed, and mortality after challenge was lower with supplementation; the reviewed abstract does not isolate all challenge outcomes by arm.
Limitations: Tank experiment and laboratory bacterial challenge. Probiotic species and combined formulation matter; strain and preparation details are not established in the reviewed abstract.
Multi-ingredient formulations
Spirulina
Multi ingredient · goldfish. 216 goldfish in 12 tanks; 18 fish per tank and three replicate tanks per diet.
Tested form: Feed containing Spirulina platensis plus Bacillus licheniformis. Dose: 2.5% Spirulina platensis plus 1 x 10^8 CFU/g Bacillus licheniformis (Spirulina percentage of feed; combined probiotic level measured in colony-forming units per gram feed). Duration: Not reported in reviewed abstract. Comparator: Unsupplemented control diet.
Measured finding: Growth did not differ between groups. Immune and gene-expression measures changed, and mortality after challenge was lower with supplementation; the reviewed abstract does not isolate all challenge outcomes by arm.
Limitations: Tank experiment and laboratory bacterial challenge. Probiotic species and combined formulation matter; strain and preparation details are not established in the reviewed abstract.
This ingredient was part of a combined formulation; the study does not isolate its contribution.
Evidence.pet interpretation
Apply this result only within its species, preparation and study conditions. An ingredient listing alone does not establish that a commercial product reproduces the tested intervention.
Funding and conflicts
Not established from the reviewed abstract.
Ingredient references
These are research references. The tested form, dose and formulation must be matched before using a result to support a product claim.
Source
Yousefi M et al. Individual and combined effects of the dietary Spirulina platensis and Bacillus licheniformis supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, innate immunity, relative gene expression and resistance of goldfish, Carassius auratus to Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish and Shellfish Immunology. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.07.015.
Primary source record (PMID 35830944) · Publisher DOI
Reviewed 2 October 2026 · Next review 2 January 2027.