New formulation of fish pellets was designed by using earthworm powder and other economical ingredients such as soybean waste, rice bran and tapioca starch as an alternative protein source for substitution of fishmeal due to the worldwide shortage. The formulation was calculated using Pearson’s square method by dividing ingredients into protein sources ingredients and energy sources ingredients with higher ration on low cost ingredients. The optimization of heating process carried out by using One-Factor-at-One-Time (OFAT) based on the highest water stability. The high water stability (82.14%) was achieved when heated at 80°C within 40 minutes. Physical properties of producing pellets such as soaking test, protein leaching test and hardness test were conducted to confirm the applicable of pellets to fish experimental. Pellets potential was evaluated by determining the growth performance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed with heated earthworm-based fish pellets. Fish experimental was conducted for 8 weeks by comparing weekly weight of the fish fed with heated earthworm-based pellets and commercial pellets. The growth performance of heated earthworm-based pellets showed higher weight and length increment compared to existing commercial pellets. Apparent digestibility tests were also performed for protein, fat, energy, and dry matter. Heated earthworm-based pellets and commercial pellets were modified by adding chromic oxide as an inert marker to determine the apparent digestibility coefficient. The feces of experimented catfish were collected at forth weeks of fish experimental for the analysis. Digestibility of protein, total fat, gross energy and dry matter for earthworm-based pellets are 94.92%, 98.09%, 78.53% and 77.78% while commercial pellets are 66.98%, 98.18%, 74.14% and 71.43% respectively.Introduction of new formulation and heating process had resulted in growth improvement of the fish by 12.48% from commercial pellets.
