Red Californian earthworm (Eisenia foetida andrei) as a valuable food item in fish farming (review)

Purpose. To analyze a selection of professional literature and summarize the information on the vermiculture of the Red Californian earthworm (Eisenia foetida andrei). To present the achievements of modern biotechnology of this species. To consider the features of different cultivation methods, as well as the possibilities and prospects of its use as a food item in aquaculture. Results. This work contains brief information on the biology and artificial selection of this species of lower invertebrates, its use in fish farming, as well as in other branches of the national economy. Currently, the market presents several hybrids of this species, adapted to local climatic conditions. This is the reason to consider the features of the production characteristics of hybrids of the Red Californian earth worm from different countries. The article provides recommendations on the specificity of procurement of the breeding culture, optimal methods of further cultivation depending on the needs of the farms, the main requirements for the substrate and feed, as well as methods for assessing the quality of the obtained biomass. Data on the amino acid composition of flour made of the Red Californian earthworm are given, its fodder value in comparison with traditional feeds for fish, and the specifics of feeding various species of fish. The work presents a method for preparation of starter feed for carp fish using technology developed by Yevtushenko M. Yu. An overview of scientific studies has revealed that the Red Californian earthworm is optimally used not only as a valuable high protein feed for multi-aged fish groups, but also for the production of organic fertilizers – biocompost. The latter was widespread not only in crop production, but also in the recultivation of different soils. Practical significance. The summarized information will be useful for researchers who are exploring ways to optimize fish feeding. The presented technology of cultivating red Californian earthworms is most palatable for fish farms of different types of aquaculture. Obtaining biocompost as a valuable by-product of vermiculture provides an opportunity for their integrated development and obtaining additional profit.