The role of insects in aquatic diets: a case study of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Insects are the most abundant living organisms. Five percent of them are aquatic and play an important role in aquatic food networks. The mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, is one of the few insects to access, with its rare features, such as cheap bulking, short life cycle, environmentally friendly, and matching constituents with the needs of fishes. Its larvae have a protein content of more than 50 and 20%, respectively, and unsaturated fat forms a significant portion of its fats. Research by researchers suggests that the insect could be one of the sources of nutritional needs in the near future for the aquaculture industry, especially aquarium fishes.