Growth Performance and Survival of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed Raw Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal in an Aquaponic System

Abstract

Background: The high cost of aquafeeds limits the profitability of tilapia farming, particularly in low-input production systems. Black soldier fly larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) appears to be a local and sustainable protein source that can be used in aquaponic systems. Aims: This study evaluated the effects of raw black soldier fly larvae meal on the growth performance and survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles reared in an aquaponic system in Côte d’Ivoire. Study Design: A comparative experimental design involving two dietary treatments was used. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in Côte d’Ivoire over a 52-day experimental period. Methodology: A total of 428 fry, with an initial mean weight of 1.3 g, were distributed into four rearing tanks and fed either raw black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL) or a commercial control diet. Water quality parameters, the biochemical composition of BSFL meal, growth performance, survival rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were evaluated. Results: Water quality parameters remained within acceptable ranges for tilapia culture, with no significant difference between treatments (p > 0.05). BSFL meal contained 39.11% crude protein, 9.40% lipid, 10% ash and 9.86% moisture. Fish fed the commercial diet showed significantly better final mean weight, weight gain, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio than those fed BSFL meal (p < 0.05). However, survival rates remained high and comparable, reaching 90.67 ± 0.70% in the BSFL group and 89.16 ± 1.54% in the control group. Conclusion: Despite lower growth performance, raw BSFL meal appears to be a local and sustainable alternative protein source for low-input aquaculture systems. Its nutritional optimisation could improve fish growth and strengthen its use in sustainable aquaponic production systems.