Spirulina Arthrospira platensis as fishmeal replacement: effect on the growth, survival and proximate composition of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract

With the aquaculture industry's growth comes an increased demand for fishmeal, leading to overfishing and rising prices. Spirulina, a microalga rich in protein and essential nutrients, is proposed as an alternative protein source research in the diet of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, a major aquaculture species. This study investigates the effect of replacing fishmeal with spirulina at a higher percentage than in previous studies. The formulated diets containing 0%, 30%, and 50% spirulina were tested over a 58-day period to determine the effect on growth, survival, and proximate composition on Nile tilapia. Results showed that replacing fishmeal with spirulina at both 30% and 50% levels did not negatively affect growth or survival rates. Water quality parameters remained within optimal ranges throughout the experiment, indicating that spirulina inclusion did not adversely affect water quality. Proximate analysis of the fish muscle revealed no significant differences in crude protein content but fish fed 30% spirulina had higher crude fat content. Overall, the study concludes that spirulina can replace fishmeal up to 50% without negative effect on the growth, survival and proximate composition of Nile tilapia.