GROWTH, REPRODUCTION AND PIGMENTATION PERFORMANCES OF RED CHERRY SHRIMP (Neocaridina davidi) FED WITH BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE (Hermetia illucens) MEAL

The increasing demand of cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) driven by their vibrant coloration, making it as a popular for aquarium. Nevertheless, use insect protein as alternative protein on the growth and reproductive performances of cherry shrimp still remains unknown. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM) on the growth, reproductive and pigmentation performances. Five isonitrogenous diets (42% protein) with varying BSFLM inclusion levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were formulated. The results showed that growth performance, including length gain, weight gain, specific growth rate and molting rate were improved significantly at 50% BSFLM inclusion, attributed to an optimal balance of nutrients and protein digestibility. Reproductive performances including ovary development and larvae production were remained stable across all diets, demonstrating the robustness of BSFLM for reproductive performance. Similarly, pigmentation remained unaffected by BSFLM inclusion. This study highlights BSFLM serves as potential sustainable protein source for cherry shrimp culture.