The Use of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) As an Alternative Protein Supplement in African Catfish Production

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 illu‐ cens ) Larvae (BSFL) as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative feed for African catfish ( Clarias gar‐ iepinus ). 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.