An interdisciplinary study was conducted to identify a plant material which will constitute major protein source and serve as cheaper and more profitable alternative to the conventional fishmeal while using the catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell) fingerlings as specimen to also test the growth inhibitory characteristic and toxicity of bambara (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc.) leaf, a potential botanical against insect pest infestations. One hundred and fifty fingerlings (1.5 g mean weight) were used for the study. Standard protocols were employed to acclimatize the experimental fish, prepare bambara leaf meal and formulate and standardized the diets. Bambara leaf incorporation levels tested were 0 (control with fishmeal and no bambara leaf), 7, 15, 22 and 30 %. The growth performance parameters evaluated were feed intake, feed conversion ratio, weight gain, specific growth rate, relative growth rate and mortality rate. Results showed that bambara leaf meal on its own did not effectively support the growth of the fingerlings and would need to be complemented with the conventional fishmeal. Findings provided important clues for the use of bambara leaf as a botanical/ growth inhibitor in the management of insect pests.