Study on Utilization of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) as Protein Substitute in the Pellet Diet of Clarias gariepenus Fingerling

Abstract

Fish farming faces the challenge of the high cost of feeds because of the cost of high-quality protein like fish meal required in food formulations. Therefore, the need for alternative protein sources is much needed. Black soldier larvae (Hermetia illucens) are alternative feed containing high protein. BSF larvae contain high protein levels (42.7% dry matter; DM). Fish diets should contain 32% to 45% protein content. Therefore, it can be a substitute for a fish meal. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of freshwater fish meal replacement with black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) on the growth rate of Clarias gariepenus fingerling.  The effect of freshwater fish meal replacement with black soldier fly larvae (BSFLM) was investigated. This study involved the cultivation of Clarias gariepenus fingerling given BSFLM and a commercial diet. The results showed a difference between the weight gains of C. gariepenus, which were 6.46g in BSFLM, while the commercial diet was 1.9g during 28 days of experiments. There was also  no significant difference (p <.05) in the mean weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate. Using BSFLM as an alternative source of protein in fish farming can reduce costs in the aquaculture industry without changing its quality.