Update on terrestrial and aquatic worms of the subclass oligochaeta in larviculture and aquaculture nutrition: biomass production, benefits, potential risks, and management strategies

Author's Department

Center for Applied Research on the Environment & Sustainability

Second Author's Department

Mechanical Engineering Department

Third Author's Department

Institute of Global Health & Human Ecology

Find in your Library

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-025-02135-0

All Authors

Muziri Mugwanya Mahmoud A.O. Dawood Hani Sewilam

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Aquaculture International

Publication Date

11-1-2025

doi

10.1007/s10499-025-02135-0

Abstract

Annelids of the subclass oligochaeta are among the most cost-effective live feeds in larviculture and aquaculture nutrition due to their balanced nutrient profile and ease of culture. Their inclusion in larviculture and aquaculture diets in different forms, such as live feed and frozen or processed forms, makes them feasible feed supplements in sustainable aquaculture production. As such, this review aims to discuss their biomass production, benefits, potential risks, management challenges, and strategies. The first part of the review gives a brief overview of the significance of live feeds in larviculture and the aquaculture industry, and the second part discusses what we know about the different culture substrates used in the mass production of commonly researched oligochaetes, Tubifex sp. (sludge worms), Eisenia fetida. (earthworms), and Enchytraeus albidus (white worms), and their influence on oligochaete nutrient profile. Information on their essential amino acid profiles is given and compared to the dietary requirements of two important fish species, Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus. The third part of the review delves into the influence of oligochaete dietary supplementation on fish growth performance, non-specific immunity, and flesh quality. Part four summarizes the associated potential risks in the mass production of oligochaetes, such as pathogen, parasite, and prion transmission, emergence of antibiotic resistance genes, and bioaccumulation of hazardous pesticides in cultured oligochaetes. Lastly, management strategies and future research perspectives are discussed. The information given in this review will guide aquaculture farmers on safe and sustainable culture practices aimed at improving the biomass production and nutrient profile of oligochaetes.

Link to Full Text
Find this item online

Share

COinS