Marine microorganisms as probiotics in the aquaculture of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus)

Marine microorganisms have been used as probiotics to improve the growth performance and disease resistance of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) in laboratories and culture ponds. Considering the importance of probiotics in sea cucumber aquaculture, the selection of appropriate probiotics to improve growth performance and disease resistance requires further research. Studies on the sources and diversity of probiotics as well as their methods of use, mechanisms of action, and effects on sea cucumber growth, disease resistance, intestinal microbial composition, and seawater quality from 2010 to 2026 were reviewed. In total, 56 strains of microorganisms isolated from seawater, sediments, sea cucumbers, and other marine animals have been used as probiotics in sea cucumber aquaculture. These microbial strains have been used in the aquaculture of sea cucumbers as mono- and multi-species probiotics. Probiotics improve the growth performance of sea cucumbers by enhancing digestive enzyme activity and altering intestinal morphology. Furthermore, probiotics strengthen the resistance of sea cucumbers to specific pathogens by inhibiting pathogen growth, enhancing nonspecific immunity, and increasing the expression of immunity-related genes. In addition, probiotics improve seawater quality by breaking down organic pollutants, reducing harmful substance concentrations, and inhibiting pathogen growth. This review critically evaluates the safety implications of probiotics, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risks arising from horizontal gene transfer. This review provides important insights for improving our understanding of the performance and applications of probiotics in sustainable sea cucumber aquaculture.