This study primarily focused on isolation and identification of amylase producing bacteria from gastro intestinal tract of Ameiurus melas (bull headed catfish). Microbiota was isolated using selective media towards the assessment of amylolytic potential. Based on the morphological and biochemical characterization, the isolate was identified as Bacillus cereus. The isolate had exhibited extracellular amylase activity of 18.46 U mL-1 and the specific activity was 2.16 U mg -1. Use of isolated bacteria as probiotic supplement in aquaculture could improve growth and health of fish. Bacillus cereus with amylase activity isolated from the fish can be beneficially used as a probiotic while formulating the diet for fish, especially in the larval stage. Further, supplementation of isolated bacteria in fish feed could improve gut health and enzyme activity.
Amylase, amylolytic, Bacillus cereus, Catfish, probiotics