RESUMO
Using probiotics can control pathogens by a variety of mechanisms. Probiotics can promote growth performance and have, therefore, become increasingly important in the aquaculture industry. Convict Cichlid belongs to the family of Cichlidae and is known for its rapid development in laboratory conditions and is suitable for behavioral examinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, survival rate and body composition of Convict Cichlids [Amatitlania nigrofasciata]. One hundred sixty eight Convict Cichlids [mean weight: 2.1 +/- 0.12 g and mean length: 2.2 +/- 0.05 cm] were fed by commercial diets with different concentrations of S. cerevisiae [0, 0.5%, 1%, 2%]. At the end of the experiment, survival rate and growth indices were measured. Based on the results, growth performance significantly increased with probiotic, S. cerevisiae, specially, at the 2% probiotic level of concentration. In the present study, the best FCR [feed conversion rate], SGR [specific growth rate], CF [condition factor] and BWG [body weight gain] values were observed in a 2% concentration of S. cerevisiae. The results suggest that this yeast could improve feed utilization in this fish species