o:8018 Can We Turn Harmful Invasive Non-Native Fish Species into a Valuable Food Resource? en Abstract: This study explores the potential of utilizing black bullhead (Ameiurus melas Rafinesque, 1820), an invasive freshwater species, as a stocking fish for aquaculture. Fish were mass-removed from Ponjavica Nature Park during two periods (2018–2019 and 2020–2021), with selected individuals reared to evaluate growth, survival, and meat quality. A total of 20,145 individuals were removed in the first period (168 reared), and 15,921 in the second (120 reared). Two rearing systems—cages and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)—and four feed types were tested. Results demonstrated the species’ adaptability to intensive aquaculture, with good growth, resilience to high-protein diets, and tolerance to high stocking densities. Cage systems generally showed superior growth performance, while RAS produced higher survival rates. Both systems achieved favorable feed conver- sion ratios. Meat analysis revealed optimal levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in RAS and cage-reared fish, enhancing the species’ nutritional value for human consumption. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of repurposing black bullhead as a sustainable aquaculture resource. This dual-purpose approach addresses ecological concerns while offering economic benefits through increased fish production and affordable, nutritious food availability. Further technological development is needed to optimize production systems for broader implementation. Ameiurus melas; freshwater ecosystems; aquaculture; quality of fish flesh 1552099 10.3390/fishes10050207 2025-07-25T08:59:35.109Z 44 yes 46 Milica Jaćimović Department of Biology and Inland Waters Protection, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia Can We Turn Harmful Invasive Non-Native Fish Species into a Valuable Food Resource? Marko Stanković Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Can We Turn Harmful Invasive Non-Native Fish Species into a Valuable Food Resource? person Dejana Trbović Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology Can We Turn Harmful Invasive Non-Native Fish Species into a Valuable Food Resource? person 0000-0001-9357-7789 Dušan Nikolić Department of Biology and Inland Waters Protection, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade Can We Turn Harmful Invasive Non-Native Fish Species into a Valuable Food Resource? person Marija Smederović-Lalić Department of Biology and Inland Waters Protection, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade Can We Turn Harmful Invasive Non-Native Fish Species into a Valuable Food Resource? person Zoran Marković Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade Can We Turn Harmful Invasive Non-Native Fish Species into a Valuable Food Resource? person application/pdf 647956 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8018 no yes 16 70 1552253 71A01 Fishes 10 207 MDPI 2025