Effects of differences in physical properties of the earthworm and the Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) in fish feed towards the growth rate and performance of betta fish (Betta Splendens) with commercial feed as control

Aquaculture industry had been affected with the skyrocketing prices of fish meal that eventually leads to high prices of commercial fish feed. Formulating and manufacturing good fish feeds requires high quality fish meal for efficient and fast growth. The increasing price of fish meal and commercial feeds has led to farmers experiencing difficulties in maintaining their farm and survival in the industry. Therefore, black soldier fly larvae and earthworm meal has been suggested as an alternative feed source in replacing the fish meal. BSFL and earthworm meal were chosen because of their good source of protein which is the most valuable component of fish feed. Both BSFL and earthworm meal were manually formulated according to the diet formulation which are the combination of wheat bran, rice bran, soybean meal, mustard oil cake, molasses and vitamin-mineral premix with targeted meal. These feeds will then be fed to the betta fish, Betta splendens. The growth rate and tendency of eating the feed were be measured by observing the activity of the fish during feeding, and the final weight of the fish once every week. The results were varied as different feeds were given to the fish, for instance, fish that were fed with BSFL and earthworm meal may have a greater size and active movement than the fish that were given commercial feed. This is due to the higher source of protein that helps the fish grows faster and healthier. The differences in physical properties of both experimental feeds, BSFL-based and earthworm-based pellet do give an effect to the growth performance of the betta fish, but not significantly high. This happened due to the handicapped pellet that was made manually. However, if the pellets were made by automated machine, the pellets might be produced perfectly and in large amount. Nonetheless, BSFL and earthworm-based pellets do help in improving the growth of the betta fish thus replacing the fishmeal in the aquaculture industry.