Black soldier fly larvae replace traditional iced trash fish diet to enhance the delicious flavor of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Chinese mitten crabs ( Eriocheir sinensis ) are traditionally fed iced trash fish, but the industry is facing problems such as low breeding safety. Black soldier fly Hermetia illucens an alternative protein source in animal diets, including diets for aquatic animals, due to its high nutritional value. However, studies on effects of black flavor characteristics animals still limited. In present study, we investigated complete replacement fish with larvae during fattening period crab molecule contents and evaluation indices. The levels free amino acids nucleotides were determined three edible parts (muscle, hepatopancreas, gonads) crab. Taste activity value analysis showed that glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, arginine main contributing umami taste sweetness, while histidine, lysine, valine, methionine bitterness. Equivalent concentration (EUC) female gonads had strongest taste, followed by hepatopancreas muscle. Sweetness (SWT) sweetness muscle was highest. Feeding affected tissue sex differences. EUC SWT significantly increased. Meanwhile, slightly decreased male crabs. Our results indicate enhances based flavoring nucleotides. It important sustainable aquaculture replace sources larvae.