An improved recirculatory system model for culture of sludge worm: A cleaner innovative choice

The reliance on traditional culture methods for Tubifex Tubifex , a highly nutritious live feed for fish larvae, limits its commercial production and highlights a critical research gap in sustainable cultivation techniques. This study addresses this gap by evaluating a recirculatory system (RS) for T. Tubifex culture over 60 days, comparing it to a traditional flow-through system (TFS).Results demonstrated the RS achieved a higher final biomass yield (40.88 ± 0.09 g) and superior nutritional quality. T. Tubifex from the RS exhibited increased crude protein (62.51 ± 0.07%), total carbohydrate content (3.73 ± 0.08%), and improved fatty acid and amino acid profiles. The RS also maintained stable and optimal water quality throughout the experiment.Significantly, the RS used 96.01% less water than the TFS. This drastic reduction in water consumption, coupled with the improved biomass yield, positions the RS as a more sustainable and economically viable option for T. Tubifex cultivation, particularly in water-scarce regions. This study provides compelling evidence that RS technology offers a transformative approach to T. Tubifex production, enhancing productivity while minimizing environmental impact. By enabling the clean and sustainable cultivation of this essential live feed, RS technology can play a key role in advancing responsible aquaculture practices and supporting the growing demand for high-quality fish larvae. • A novel and cleaner recirculatory system (RS) was designed and evaluated for the culture of Tubifex worms. • The RS achieved remarkable water savings of approximately 96.01% compared to traditional flow-through systems. • Tubifex cultivated in the RS attained significantly higher biomass yields. • The RS promoted higher levels of essential amino acids and fatty acids in the harvested Tubifex . • This innovative RS design has the potential to optimize water quality and improve the nutritional profile of Tubifex as a live feed for aquaculture.