Valorization of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval meal in the diet of Parachanna obscura (Günther, 1861) postlarvae reared under controlled conditions

Abstract Background In a context where the sustainability of aquaculture practices has become crucial due to pressure on wild fisheries and demographic growth, the identification of novel alternative protein sources for fish feed is essential. The objective of the present study was therefore to evaluate the valorization of black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) larval meal as a potential substitute for fishmeal in the diet of Parachanna obscura postlarvae. Methods Four experimental diets (T0, T1, T2, and T3) were formulated with respective incorporation levels of 0%, 33.33%, 66.66%, and 100% black soldier fly larval meal, and tested on 600 P. obscura postlarvae with an initial mean body weight of 0.3 g. The stocking density of postlarvae was 0.5 ind/L. The trial lasted 28 days. Result At the end of the experiment, a significant difference ( p < 0.05) was observed in fish zootechnical performance depending on the experimental diets. The best zootechnical performances were obtained with treatments T2 and T3. In the formulation of diets for P. obscura postlarvae, black soldier fly larval meal can therefore totally replace fishmeal without negatively affecting their zootechnical performance.