# Global Research Trends of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) Meal in Aquaculture From a Scientometric Perspective (2007–2025)

## TL;DR

This paper analyzes global research trends on black soldier fly larvae meal in aquaculture from 2007 to 2025, showing growth and regional imbalances.

## Contribution

The first scientometric analysis of BSFLM research in aquaculture, revealing research trends and misalignments with global production.

## Key findings

- Annual publication growth rate of 11.42% in BSFLM research from 2007 to 2025.
- Italy, the US, Norway, and China are leading contributors to BSFLM research.
- Research has shifted from feasibility to health and gut microbiota effects, but lacks focus on globally farmed species like carps and catfish.

## Abstract

Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) meal (BSFLM) has gained increasing attention over the past two decades as a sustainable and functional ingredient in aquafeeds. This study presents the first scientometric analysis of BSFLM research in aquaculture from 2007 to 2025, using data from Scopus and Web of Science (WOS). Following PRISMA‐guided screening, 355 peer‐reviewed articles were retained and analyzed with the Bibliometrix R package. Results indicate a consistent annual growth rate of 11.42% in publications, with Italy, the United States, Norway, and China emerging as key contributors. Research themes have evolved from initial feasibility studies to more recent emphases on health parameters, immunological effects, and gut microbiota modulation. Species such as Oncorhynchus mykiss, Sparus aurata, Oreochromis niloticus, Salmo salar, Dicentrarchus labrax, and Litopenaeus vannamei are frequently studied, reflecting their commercial and academic relevance. However, a pronounced underrepresentation of carps and catfish, despite being the most farmed finfish globally, highlights a persistent misalignment between research priorities and global aquaculture production, likely due to the large variety of regional species being produced and investigated. Further regional disparities exist, with Europe accounting for 50% of the literature but only 3.2% of global output, while Asia accounts for 30% of the literature but 89% of global production output. These findings offer a road map to realign global research priorities with aquaculture production realities.