Molecular Identification of Microbacterium barkeri: A Novel Approach to Enhancing Tilapia Growth in Biofloc Systems

Abstract

This study focuses on the isolation and molecular identification of Microbacterium barkeri from soil samples and evaluates its potential application in biofloc systems for sustainable aquaculture. The bacterium was identified using morphological, biochemical, and molecular techniques (16S rRNA gene sequencing), confirming its identity through BLAST analysis (99.8% similarity to M. barkeri). The study investigated its role in ammonia and nitrite reduction, biofloc formation, and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth performance. Results indicate that M. barkeri significantly improves water quality, enhances nutrient cycling, and promotes fish growth. The optimal bacterial concentration (10⁶ CFU/mL) resulted in higher growth rates, better feed conversion efficiency (FCR), and increased survival compared to the control. These findings highlight M. barkeri as a promising microbial candidate for biofloc technology (BFT) in aquaculture, offering an eco-friendly alternative to improve water quality and fish productivity.