Evaluating insect-based feeds as sustainable alternatives to trash fish for spiny lobster (Panulirus sp.): Implications for growth efficiency and feeding behavior

Wastu Ayu Diamahesa; Muhammad Imam Mutaqim; Fariq Azhar; Laily Fitriani  Mulyani

doi:10.22034/ijab.v14i4.2822

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Wastu Ayu Diamahesa
wastuayu@unram.ac.id
Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, Mataram 83127, Lombok, Indonesia.
Muhammad Imam Mutaqim Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, Mataram 83127, Lombok, Indonesia.
Fariq Azhar Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, Mataram 83127, Lombok, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9337-0286
Laily Fitriani Mulyani Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, Mataram 83127, Lombok, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7236-2874

Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026): August

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June 20, 2026

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The rapid increase in global demand for spiny lobster (Panulirus sp.) has intensified pressure on wild stocks and highlighted the urgent need for sustainable aquaculture development. In Indonesia, lobster farming remains heavily dependent on trash fish as the primary feed source, despite associated challenges related to sustainability, biosecurity, and environmental degradation. This study evaluated the potential of insect-based feeds—Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) maggots and mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)—as sustainable alternatives to trash fish by examining their effects on growth performance and feeding behavior of spiny lobster under controlled conditions. A 30-day experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design with three feed treatments (trash fish, BSF maggots, and mealworms), each replicated three times. Lobsters were fed daily at 5% of body weight, and growth parameters, feeding response, feed utilization, and water quality were monitored. The results showed that lobsters fed trash fish achieved significantly higher absolute weight gain (6.47 g) and length increment (0.39 cm) compared with those fed mealworms (1.67 g; 0.09 cm) and BSF maggots (0.93 g; 0.13 cm). Feeding behavior analysis revealed faster approach times and longer consumption durations in the trash fish treatment, indicating higher palatability and stronger chemosensory stimulation. Water quality remained within optimal ranges across all treatments, confirming that growth differences were primarily feed-driven. Although insect-based feeds demonstrated nutritional potential and supported positive growth and survival, their performance was inferior to that of trash fish. These findings suggest that successful replacement of trash fish requires improved formulation strategies, including attractant supplementation, enhanced digestibility, and adaptation periods, to optimize the effectiveness of insect-based feeds for sustainable lobster aquaculture.

Diamahesa, W. A., Mutaqim, M. I., Azhar, F., & Mulyani, L. F. (2026). Evaluating insect-based feeds as sustainable alternatives to trash fish for spiny lobster (Panulirus sp.): Implications for growth efficiency and feeding behavior. International Journal of Aquatic Biology, 14(4), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.22034/ijab.v14i4.2822

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