Current issue
Online first
Archive
About the Journal
Editorial Office
Editorial Board
Copy right and self-archiving policy
Peer review process
Instructions for Reviewers
Printed version subscription
Abstracting and indexing
Contact
Instructions for Authors
Policies
General information
Open Access, Licensing terms, Commercial use and Copyright terms policies
Self-archiving policy and Archive policies
Article Correction and Withdrawal policy
Manuscript Submission policy
Authorship policy
Conflict of Interest policy
Language considerations policy
Plagiarism and Duplicate publications policy
Ethics policy
Review process policy
Acceptance of manuscripts policy
Online First Articles and Special Issues policies
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) policy
Advertising policy
Article publication charges
Policies
General information
Open Access, Licensing terms, Commercial use and Copyright terms policies
Self-archiving policy and Archive policies
Article Correction and Withdrawal policy
Manuscript Submission policy
Authorship policy
Conflict of Interest policy
Language considerations policy
Plagiarism and Duplicate publications policy
Ethics policy
Review process policy
Acceptance of manuscripts policy
Online First Articles and Special Issues policies
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) policy
Advertising policy
ORIGINAL PAPER
Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) meal as a sustainable
fishmeal replacement: growth, water quality, and economic
profitability in tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) fingerling culture
1
Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Facultad de Ingeniería, División de investigación y posgrado,
76265 El Marques, Querétaro, Mexico
2
Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Facultad de Ingeniería, Cuerpo académico de Bioingeniería básica y aplicada,
76010, Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
3
Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Facultad de Química, Posgrado en Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos,
76010, Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
Publication date: 2026-06-10
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The present study evaluated the suitability of black soldier fly
(Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) as a fishmeal substitute in the diets of tilapia
fingerlings (Oreochromis sp.) reared in a recirculating aquaculture system,
with particular emphasis on growth performance, water quality, and economic
profitability. Three isoproteic diets were formulated by replacing fishmeal at
levels of 0, 50, and 75% (D0, D50, and D75, respectively). Growth parameters,
feed utilisation efficiency, and water quality indicators were monitored during a
45-day feeding trial, and the profitability of the diets was assessed. Significant
differences in growth and feed conversion were observed between treatments
(P < 0.05), with comparable performance obtained in fish fed the D0 and D75
diets. Metabolic rate analysis further suggested improved protein utilisation
in diets containing insect meal. Moreover, the D50 diet significantly reduced
ammonium concentrations in the recirculating water system (P < 0.05). From an
economic perspective, the inclusion of BSFL meal resulted in higher profitability
compared with conventional fishmeal-based feeds. Overall, the results confirm
that BSFL meal represents a practical and sustainable alternative to fishmeal in
intensive tilapia fingerling production, supporting both production efficiency and
environmental sustainability.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
REFERENCES (32)
1.
AOAC. 2002. Official Methods of Analysis. Association of Official Analytical Chemist. 16th Edition. Washington DC (USA)
2.
Cao F., Wang H. 2014. Effects of salinity and body mass on oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion of mudskipper Boleophthalmus pectinirostris. Chin. J. Oceanol. Limnol. 33, 92–98, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00343...
3.
Engin K., Tufan Eroldoğan O., Özşahinoğlu I., Asuman Yılmaz H., Mumoğullarında P. 2013. Diurnal ammonia and urea excretion rates in European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax fed diets containing mixtures of canola and cotton seed oil at two different ambient temperature. J. Therm. Biol. 38, 588–596, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jthe...
4.
Fantatto R., Mota J., Ligeiro C., Vieira I., Guilgur G., Santos M., Murta D. 2024. Exploring sustainable alternatives in aquaculture feeding: The role of insects. Aquacul. Rep. 37, 102228, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqre...
5.
FAO. 2024. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024. In Nature and Resources Vol. 35. FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd0683...
6.
Fava A. F., de Souza Bezerra G., Neu D. H., Bittencourt F., Signor A., Carvalho K. V., Boscolo W. R. 2022. Effects of Feeding Frequency for Nile Tilapia Fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquacul. Nutr. 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1...
7.
Fayed W. M., Mansour A. T., Zaki M. A., Omar E. A., Nour A. M., Taha E. M., Sallam G. R. 2024. Water quality change, growth performance, health status in response to dietary inclusion of black soldier fly larvae meal in the diet of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Ann. Anim. Sci. 24, 533–544, https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2...
8.
Félix-Cuencas L., García-Trejo J. F., López-Tejeida S., de León-Ramírez J. J., Gutiérrez-Antonio C., Feregrino-Pérez A. A. 2021. Nitrogen and phosphorus flux in wastewater from three productive stages in a hyperintensive tilapia culture. J. Water Reuse Desalin. 11, 520–530, https://doi.org/10.2166/wrd.20...
9.
Félix-Cuencas L., García-Trejo J.F., López-Tejeida S., de León-Ramírez J.J. 2025. Nitrogen and phosphorus flow under three productive stages of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in a hyperintensive aquaponic system with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Aquacul. 606, 742594, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqua...
10.
Furuya W. M., Cruz T. P., Gatlin D. M. 2023. Amino Acid Requirements for Nile Tilapia: An Update. Animals, 13, 900, https://doi.org/10.3390/ani130...
11.
Ghamkhar R., Hicks A. 2020. Comparative environmental impact assessment of aquafeed production: Sustainability implications of forage fish meal and oil free diets. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 161, 104849, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resc...
12.
Hervé M. K., Calice M. D., Dzepe D., Djouaka R. F., Chia S. Y., Efole T., Ndindeng S. A. 2025. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae improve growth performance and flesh quality of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Discover Animals, 2, 9, https://doi.org/10.1007/s44338...
13.
Jobling, M. 2017. Bioenergetics in Aquaculture Settings. Reference Module in Life Sciences, https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0...
14.
Kariuki M. W., Barwani D. K., Mwashi V., Kioko J. K., Munguti J. M., Tanga C. M., Osuga I. M. 2024. Partial Replacement of Fishmeal with Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal in Nile Tilapia Diets Improves Performance and Profitability in Earthen Pond. Sci. Afr. 24, 2222, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scia...
15.
Kou H., Hu J., Wang A. L., Pan X., Vijayaraman S. B., Miao Y., Lin, L. 2022. Effects of dietary protein on water quality, growth performance, RNA/DNA ratio and haemato-immunological indices of soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Fish Shellfish Immunol. 123, 127–135, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi....
16.
Limbu S. M., Shoko A. P., Ulotu E. E., Luvanga S. A., Munyi F. M., John J. O., Opiyo, M. A. 2022. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, L.) larvae meal improves growth performance, feed efficiency and economic returns of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L.) fry. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, 2, 167–178, https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.4...
17.
López-Tejeida S., García-Trejo J. F., Félix-Cuencas L., De León-Ramírez J. J., Villegas-Villegas M., Flores-Tejeida L. B. 2020. Nitrogen excretion and oxygen consumption on hyper intensive tilapia Oreochromis niloticus culture using three different commercial diets. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research, 48, 836–846, https://doi.org/10.3856/vol48-...
18.
Meesala K.-M., Hong J., Sealey W. M., Popa R., Bouchard D. A., Habte-Tsion M. 2025. Effects of fishmeal substitution with defatted black soldier fly larvae and soy protein meals on the growth, physio-biochemical responses, and immune-related gene expression of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Aquacul. 602, 742335, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqua...
19.
Mes W., Kersten P., Maas R. M., Eding E. H., Jetten M. S. M., Siepel H., Van Kessel M. A. H. J. 2023. Effects of demand-feeding and dietary protein level on nitrogen metabolism and symbiont dinitrogen gas production of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, L.). Frontiers in Physiology, 14, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys....
20.
Mohan K., Rajan D. K., Muralisankar T., Ganesan A. R., Sathishkumar P., Revathi N. 2022. Use of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae meal in aquafeeds for a sustainable aquaculture industry: A review of past and future needs. Aquacul. 553, 738095, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqua...
21.
Muin H., Taufek N. M., Kamarudin M. S., Razak S. A. 2017. Growth performance, feed Utilization and body composition of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) fed with different levels of black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) maggot meal diet. Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 16, 567–577
22.
Muin H., Taufek, N. M. 2022. Evaluation of growth performance, feed efficiency and nutrient digestibility of red hybrid tilapia fed dietary inclusion of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). Aquacul. Fish. 9, 45-51, https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AAF....
23.
Munguti J., Muthoka M., Mboya J. B., Kyule D., Meenakshisundaram M., Tanga C. M. 2025. Unraveling the Potential of Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a Sustainable Protein Source for Nile Tilapia Production in Diverse Aquaculture Systems. Aquacul. Nutr. 1, https://doi.org/10.1155/anu/35...
24.
Nunes L.J.L., da Silva Campos C.V.F., da Silva S.M.B.C., Gálvez A.O., Brito L.O., dos Santos, J.F. 2024. The culture of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juvenile at different culture technologies: autotrophic, bioflocs and synbiotic. Aquacul. 588, 740912, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqua...
25.
Odhiambo F., Manyala J., Ndong’a M., Museve E., Otieno, H. 2023. Effect of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Feed Supplement on Length-Weight Relationship of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Innovations in Agriculture, 01–05, https://doi.org/10.25081/ia.20...
26.
Oviedo-Olvera M. V., Feregrino-Pérez A. A., Nieto-Ramírez M. I., Tovar-Ramírez M. M., Aguirre-Becerra H., García-Trejo J. F. 2025. Prebiotic emergent sources for aquaculture: Microalgae and insects. Aquaculture and Fisheries, 10, 19-26 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aaf....
27.
Rapatsa M., Moyo N. 2022. A Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Replacing Fishmeal with Insect Meals on Growth of Tilapias and Sharptooth Catfish. Aquacul. Nutr. 2022, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9...
28.
Sangsawang A., Kovitvadhi S., Pewhom A., Kovitvadhi U., Kovitvadhi A., Wongoutong C., Paankhao N. 2024. Impacts of substituting fish meal with full-fat or defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on growth, quality, and health of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Aquacul. Rep. 38, 102348, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqre...
29.
Singha K. P., Abanikannda M. F., Ma J., Romano N., Koutsos E., Adams D., Kumar V. 2025. Complementing the high soybean meal diet with black soldier fly larvae meal as a functional feed ingredient to improve the performance, nutrient profile, and gut health of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Aquacul. 603, 742405, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqua...
30.
Tippayadara N., Dawood M.A.O., Krutmuang P., Hoseinifar S. H., Doan H.V., Paolucci, M. 2021. Replacement of Fish Meal by Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal: Effects on Growth, Haematology, and Skin Mucus Immunity of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Animals, 11, 193, https://doi.org/10.3390/ani110...
31.
Vodounnou J.V., Iko R., Okou G., Kpogue D., Ahouansou Montcho S., Micha, J.C. 2025. Complete substitution of fish meal with black soldier flies Hermetia illucens (L. 1758) larvae meal at varying incorporation rates for feeding Oreochromis niloticus raised in captivity. Aquaculture Science and Management, 2, 1, https://doi.org/10.1186/s44365...
32.
Zhang J.M., Fu B., Li Y., Sun J.H., Xie J., Wang G.J., Yu E.M. 2023. The effect of nitrite and nitrate treatment on growth performance, nutritional composition and flavor-associated metabolites of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Aquacul. 562, 738784, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqua...
Share
RELATED ARTICLE
| ISSN: | 1230-1388 |
Assigning DOI numbers, introducing articles from supplements and recent publications to POL-index database, maintaining anti-plagiarism detection, electronic system to proceed manuscripts and webpage of the Journal with interactive pdf files, and language correction of manuscripts published in Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences are financed in the years 2018–2019 by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education from the funds for science popularization activities, Agreement No. 631/P-DUN/2018.
© 2006-2026 Journal hosting platform by Bentus
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
