Probiotic activity of bacteria associated with egg capsules of concholepas concholepas (common name 'loco')

Abstract

Egg capsules of Concholepas concholepas were analysed microbiologically, showing the presence of bacteria inside the capsules. The bacteria were isolated and identified, and their probiotic potential on early larvae of C. concholepas was evaluated. From 32 capsules that were examined, 45 bacterial strains were isolated, of which 67% belonged to the genus Bacillus. Survival bioassays were carried out with all the isolated bacterial strains on C. concholepas larvae. It was found that 71% of the bacteria had positive effects on larval survival. This research determined that bacteria of the genera Bacillus and Vibrio present in the capsules have probiotic potential. The bacteria that led to the greatest larval survival were Bacillus pumilus, which may be used in the cultivation of C. concholepas, because one of the limiting factors for the cultivation of this species is larval survival; thus, we propose that the probiotic strains identified in this study will be used during the cultivation of C. concholepas to enhance the chances of larval survival.