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The Use of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) As an Alternative Protein Supplement in African Catfish Production
Subject area: Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences · Area of research: Entomology and Fish Feed Production
DOI: 10.64388/IREV10I3-1723421
Abstract
The high cost of conventional fish feed is a major constraint to the sustainability and profitability of aquaculture in Nigeria. This study investigated the potential of using Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae (BSFL) as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative feed for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A total of 45 fingerlings were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments in a 56-day feeding trial: a diet of whole BSFL, a conventional commercial diet, and a combination of both. Growth performance parameters (weight gain, length increase, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio) and economic indices were evaluated. Results indicated that fish fed with the combination diet achieved the highest numerical growth in final weight (29.52 g) and length (15.73 cm), followed by the conventional diet group, while the BSFL-only group recorded the lowest growth. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Economically, the BSFL-only diet was most viable, yielding the lowest feed cost per fish (₦180.95) and production cost (₦280.95). The study concludes that while a BSFL-conventional combination supports better growth, the use of whole BSFL as a complete feed replacement offers a highly cost-effective strategy for farmers prioritizing input cost reduction over maximum growth speed. BSFL is therefore a promising, sustainable alternative protein source for African catfish aquaculture.
Keywords
African catfish; Clarias gariepinus; black soldier fly larvae; alternative protein; conventional feed
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1723421,
author = {Adimunanyanate, S. D., Ohale, A. F., Nzeako, S. O.},
title = {The Use of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) As an Alternative Protein Supplement in African Catfish Production},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {4101-4108},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1723421.pdf},
abstract = {The high cost of conventional fish feed is a major constraint to the sustainability and profitability of aquaculture in Nigeria. This study investigated the potential of using Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae (BSFL) as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative feed for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A total of 45 fingerlings were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments in a 56-day feeding trial: a diet of whole BSFL, a conventional commercial diet, and a combination of both. Growth performance parameters (weight gain, length increase, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio) and economic indices were evaluated. Results indicated that fish fed with the combination diet achieved the highest numerical growth in final weight (29.52 g) and length (15.73 cm), followed by the conventional diet group, while the BSFL-only group recorded the lowest growth. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Economically, the BSFL-only diet was most viable, yielding the lowest feed cost per fish (₦180.95) and production cost (₦280.95). The study concludes that while a BSFL-conventional combination supports better growth, the use of whole BSFL as a complete feed replacement offers a highly cost-effective strategy for farmers prioritizing input cost reduction over maximum growth speed. BSFL is therefore a promising, sustainable alternative protein source for African catfish aquaculture.},
keywords = {African catfish; Clarias gariepinus; black soldier fly larvae; alternative protein; conventional feed},
month = {September},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I3-1723421}
}