Application of laboratory methods for understanding fish responses to black soldier fly (<i>Hermetia illucens</i>) based diets

A major challenge for development of sustainable aquafeeds is its dependence on fish meal and oil. Replacement with more sustainable, nutritious safe ingredients now a priority. Over the last years, among several alternatives proposed, insects have received great attention as possible candidates. In particular, black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) represents concrete example how circular economy concept can be applied to culture, providing valuable biomass rich in fat protein valorising organic by-products. decade, studies been published about use different BSF dietary inclusion levels various species including experimental models. Varying encouraging results obtained this research field using plethora laboratory methodological approaches that coupled obtain comprehensive view BSF-based diets effects physiology, health, quality. The present review aims explore some most promising like histology, infrared spectroscopy, gut microbiome sequencing, molecular biology, fillets’ physico-chemical sensory properties, essential better understanding welfare fillet quality, when used aquafeed ingredient. importance has given European finfish