Nutritional Potential of Edible Insects as Alternative Ingredients in Fish Feed: A Path to Modern Aquaculture

TL;DR

Edible insects can replace fishmeal in fish feed, offering similar nutrition and benefits for fish growth and health.

Contribution

This review compares the nutritional profiles of several edible insect species for use in aquafeeds.

Findings

Insect meals can replace fishmeal without harming fish growth or health.

Insect amino and fatty acid profiles match the nutritional needs of farmed fish.

Insects show potential as sustainable ingredients in both freshwater and marine fish diets.

Abstract

The incorporation of edible insects into fish diets has gained increasing attention due to their rich nutritional profile and potential as alternative ingredients in aquafeeds. This review examines the composition of key insect species, including Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio molitor, Musca domestica, Zophobas morio, and Bombyx mori, comparing their macronutrient and micronutrient profiles, as well as their applicability in dietary formulations for fish. Studies indicate that these insect meals can effectively replace fishmeal (FM) in varying proportions without compromising growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immunological response, or feed efficiency in both freshwater and marine species. Furthermore, their amino acid and fatty acid profiles closely align with the nutritional needs of farmed fish, supporting optimal health and development.