Nutritional potential of edible insects as alternative ingredients in fish feed

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.