Application of Sargassum sp extract on juvenile sandfish nursery

Abstract

Sea cucumbers are a high-value fauna that can be found on Kei Island’s coastal area. Because of overexploitation and poor management, the sea cucumber population on Kei Island has declined dramatically. To solve this problem, the cultivation activities (breeding, nursery and growth out) of sea cucumbers need to be developed immediately. The aim of this study was to utilize the brown algae Sargassum sp to support the production of sandfish seeds in Household-Scale Hatchery. This study took place from April - May 2022 at Tual Teripang Center, Tual. Juveniles of sandfish are used as research objects with measuring between 3 - 15 mm in size and have a stocking density of 800 juveniles per tub. The feed used as treatment was included Sargassum sp extract 300 gr/tub (Treatment A), 400 gr/tub (Treatment B), and 500 gr/tub (Treatment C). Feeding has given every day and water changes was 50 - 60% per day. The calculation of growth and survival rate is the variable that observed in this study. As supporting data, water quality test measures were carried out. Three treatments have different effects on juvenile growth. The best result was obtained in Treatment C. For survival, showed all treatments had same effect on the survival rate of juvenile sandfish. It was concluded that Treatment C was better for the growth of juvenile sandfish than Treatment A and Treatment B.