Development of culture protocols for the production of zophobas morio (fabricius, 1776) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), an alternate source of protein for ornamental fishes under laboratory conditions

The ongoing interest of the public in pets has increased the need for animal protein to rise in the coming years. The majority of the expenditure in fish farming was occupied by food. Aquarists are trying different types of feed to meet their fish protein requirements at a low price. They are spending more than they are worth to reach their protein requirements in the feed, and not even getting a good protein food according to the requirements of the fish. In this context, insects could play an essential role in the establishment of a sustainable food system because they can convert low-value organic waste into nutritious food with minimal environmental impact. They also serve pesticide-free, chemical-free food. Zophobas morio is such an insect which has high quantities of protein, minerals and vitamins. The aim of the present work is to standardize the culture practices of the super worm Z. morio (Fabricius 1776) under captive conditions so that these protocols can be popularized among ornamental fish farmers for its culture and commercial production. Z. morio comes under the family Tenebrionidae of the order Coleoptera of class Insecta. In the present study, 200 larvae of super worm were purchased from market. They were reared in the laboratory and isolated to pupate, and developed into adult beetle. These beetles were made to breed under captivity. The eggs hatched out into larvae and these larvae were reared in the same conditions and further developed into beetle thus completing the life cycle. The larvae were harvested for feeding ornamental fishes. Thus, the culture protocols of super worm under captive conditions were standardized. This insect can be quickly multiplied in large numbers in a short period of time with relatively few culture procedures. It can replace the major packet feed of high price. This protein-rich feed plays a major role in the rate of hatching especially in the larger breeds like Oscar, Arowana and Flower horn. Following this standardized procedure, the commercial production of super worm can be developed into a low cost industry by housewives and unemployed youth, thus earning an additional source of income to the family.