Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal : Journal of Suboptimal Lands
ISSN: 2252-6188 (Print), ISSN: 2302-3015 (Online, www.jlsuboptimal.unsri.ac.id)
Vol. 11, No.2: 147-153 Oktober 2022
DOI: 10.36706/JLSO.11.2.2022.580
The Optimatization of Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii) Fry
Density in Recirculation System Culture
Optimasi Densitas Benih Ikan Tambakan (Helostoma temminckii) dengan
Budidaya Sistem Resirkulasi
M Tansuka1, Ferdinand H Taqwa1*), Retno C Mukti1
Aquaculture Study Program, Fisheries Department, Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Sriwijaya,
Indralaya, Ogan Ilir 30662, South Sumatra, Indonesia
*)
Corresponding author: ferdinand@fp.unsri.ac.id
1
(Received: 2 February 2022, Accepted: 29 July 2022)
Citation: Tansuka M, Taqwa FH, Mukti RC. 2022. The optimatization of kissing gourami (Helostoma
temminckii) fry density in recirculation system culture. Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal : Journal of Suboptimal
Lands. 11 (2): 147-153. DOI: 10.36706/JLSO.11.2.2022.580.
ABSTRAK
Ikan tambakan (Helostoma temminckii) adalah jenis ikan rawa yang berpotensi untuk
dibudidayakan. Peningkatan hasil produksi ikan tambakan dapat dilakukan dengan
meningkatkan densitas. Permasalahan budidaya dengan densitas yang tinggi yaitu
menurunnya kualitas air sehingga kelangsungan hidup dan pertumbuhan ikan tidak
maksimal. Salah satu upaya untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut yaitu melalui pengelolaan
lingkungan budidaya menggunakan sistem resirkulasi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk
menentukan densitas optimal benih ikan tambakan pada sistem resirkulasi. Metode
penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dengan menggunakan 4
perlakuan densitas ikan tambakan yaitu masing-masing 2, 3, 4, dan 5 ekor/L yang
dilakukan dengan 3 ulangan. Parameter yang diamati meliputi kualitas air, pertumbuhan,
tingkat kelangsungan hidup, dan kadar glukosa darah ikan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan
bahwa densitas terbaik ialah 2 ekor/L dengan pertumbuhan bobot mutlak 0,55 ± 0,02 g dan
panjang mutlak 0,53 ± 0,04 cm, kelangsungan hidup 86,67%, kadar glukosa darah
50,67−52,55 mg/dL dan rasio konversi pakan 1,29. Nilai kualitas air selama pemeliharaan
berada pada kisaran yang layak untuk kehidupan ikan tambakan, yaitu suhu 28,4−30,4°C,
pH 6,6−7,4, oksigen terlarut 5,08−6,54 mg/L dan amonia 0,12−0,25 mg/L.
Kata kunci: kelangsungan hidup, kualitas air, pertumbuhan, stres
ABSTRACT
Kissing gourami (Helostoma temminckii) is a type of swamp fish that has the potential
to be cultivated. The increasing of yield for this fish can be done by optimization of
stocking density. The problem of aquaculture with high stocking density is decreased water
quality, growth and fish survival. One of the efforts to overcome this problem is through
the management of the cultivation environment using a recirculation system. The purpose
of this study was to determine the optimal density of kissing gourami fry on a recirculation
system. This research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) using 4
treatments of fish stocking density (2, 3, 4, and 5 fish/L, respectively), which was carried
out with 3 replications. The parameters observed included water quality, growth, survival
148
Tansuka et al.: The Optimatization of Kissing Gourami
rate, and fish blood glucose level. The results of this study indicated that the best density
was 2 fish/L with absolute weight growth was 0.55 ± 0.03 g, absolute length growth was
0.53 ± 0.05 cm, survival rate was 86.67 %, blood glucose levels were 50.67−52.56 mg/dL
and food conversion ratio was 1.29. The water quality value during the fish rearing was in
the appropriate range, i.e. temperature 28.4−30.4°C, pH 6.6−7.4, dissolved oxygen
5.08−6.54 mg/L and ammonia 0.12−0.25 mg/L.
Keywords: growth, stress, survival, water quality
INTRODUCTION
2016). High fish density during rearing can
cause fish stress, resulting in a decrease in
Kissing gourami (Helostoma temminckii) body resistance and the long term can cause
is one of the freshwater fish that is often death. Segovia et al. (2012) declared that in
found in several areas of Southeast Asia the high density culture is required water
(Sugihartono, 2014). Kissing gourami have quality management to remove metabolic
a high economic value because apart from waste and reduce the risk of oxygen
being used as consumption fish (fresh and depletion.
processed), they also have the potential to
One alternative in managing water
be traded as ornamental fish in several quality in fish culture media is to use a
countries. This fish is easy to breed, grow recirculation system. This is in accordance
fast, and is one type of ornamental fish that with the statement of Jubaedah et al. (2020)
has a potential demand in Bangladesh that the recirculation system could
(Hossain & Mohsin, 2021), Australia, minimize water changes and maintain water
North America, Europe, Japan (Wildayana quality. The water recirculation system can
& Armanto, 2021), India (Jena et al., 2019), be supported through physical, chemical,
as well as Thailand, Philippines and and biological filtration, which functions to
Malaysia (Kottelat, 2013).
maintain water quality (Hastuti et al., 2017).
To meet the increasing demand for One of the filter materials used is charcoal.
human consumption of fishery products, The use of charcoal can significantly
especially kissing gourami commodities, improve water quality by reducing the
aquaculture activities are needed. Kissing content of nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite,
gourami farming with high density is able phosphate. (Schmidt et al., 2019). Research
to produce higher fish production. However, conducted by Raharjo et al., (2016) showed
the problem faced in high density that the optimal density for kissing gourami
aquaculture is a decrease in water oxygen with a size of 3−5 cm and a weight of 1.4 g
levels and an increase in fish metabolic is 2 fish/L.
products. Metabolic products and excess
In that study, the density of more than 2
feed residue, especially in high density fish fish/L showed a lower value of growth and
culture, can cause a decrease in water survival rate of fish. Therefore, it is
quality in the culture media. Poor water necessary to do further research to increase
quality causes the fish's appetite to decrease the production of aquaculture with higher
so that fish growth will be slow and can density optimization, so that it still supports
result in fish death (Raharjo et al., 2016).
the growth of kissing gourami (H.
In addition, the high fish density will temminckii) in the recirculation system.
have an impact on changes in the behavior This study aimed to determine the optimal
and physiological conditions of fish due to density of kissing gourami (H. temminckii)
competition
in
space
utilization size of 4.05 ± 0.5 cm in a recirculation
(Sukmawantara et al., 2021). If this system, so that water quality can be
condition continues, it can cause changes in maintained in a proper condition, and it can
fish health conditions so that survival and still support the survival and growth of
growth will be hampered (Raharjo et al., kissing gourami optimally.
Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal : Journal of Suboptimal Lands 11(2) Oktober 2022
149
MATERIALS AND METHODS
stocking the fish, the fish were acclimatized
for 5 minutes to adjust the water
Materials
temperature in the plastic bag and the
The materials used in this study included aquarium. The rearing of fish was carried
kissing gouramy fry (length of 4.0 ± 0.5 out in a controlled system by feeding 5% of
cm), potassium permanganate, charcoal as a body weight with a frequency of feeding
filter medium and commercial pellets with a three times a day, at 08.00, 12.00, and
protein content of 40%. The tools used in 16.00 in local time for 30 days. A sampling
this study include an aquarium (measuring of fish length and weight was carried out
23 x 23 x 23 cm3), thermometer, water once a week. Blood glucose levels were
pump, PVC pipe (⌀ 0.5 and 4 inch), DO measured at the beginning and the end of
meter, pH meter, digital scale, aeration hose, the study by taking 2−4 µL of fish blood
aeration stone, filter, aquarium pipe (⌀ 16 samples from 10% of the number of fish
mm), pipe connector (⌀ 16 mm to 0.5 inch), from each treatment container and then
blower, spectrophotometer and Gluco kit tested using the Gluco kit Test.
test.
Research Methods
This study was designed using a
completely randomized design with four
treatments and three replications. The
treatment applied was as follows:
P1 : Rearing of kissing gourami fry with a
density of 2 fish/L
P2 : Rearing of kissing gourami fry with a
density of 3 fish/L
P3: Rearing of kissing gourami fry with a
density of 4 fish/L
P4 : Rearing of kissing gourami fry with a
density of 5 fish/L
Procedure
Preparation of Fish Rearing Containers
The container used were 12 glass
aquariums which were arranged according
to a random treatment code. The prepared
aquarium was filled with 10 L of water,
then a filter unit was installed and aeration
was given. The filter used was a charcoal
with a volume of 1.6 L based on the
modification of Tanaya and Prihatmo,
(2021). After that, the system was stabilized
by flowing water for 1 week, so that the
nitrifying bacteria increased in the filter
media. The filter design in this study was
presented in Figure 1.
Rearing
Fish were stocked into the aquarium
according to the density treatment. Before
Figure 1. Recirculation system unit
Data collection
Absolute Length Growth
The formula used to calculate the
absolute length growth of fish was (Firdaus
& Mukti, 2021):
L = Lt – L0
Note:
L : Absolute length growth of fish (cm)
Lt: Fish length at the end of rearing (cm)
L0: Fish length at the beginning of rearing
(cm)
Absolute Weight Growth
The formula used to calculate the
absolute weight growth of fish based on
Firdaus and Mukti (2021) was:
W = Wt–W0
Note:
W : Absolute weight growth of fish (g)
Wt: Fish weight at the end of rearing (g)
150
Tansuka et al.: The Optimatization of Kissing Gourami
W0: Fish weight at the beginning of rearing
(g)
Survival Rate
The calculation of the percentage of fish
survival based on Firdaus and Mukti (2021)
was:
SR =
x 100
Note:
SR : Survival rate (%)
Nt : Number of fish at the end of rearing
N0 : Number of fish at the beginning of
rearing
FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio)
Calculation of feed conversion ratio
based on Azaza et al. (2014) was:
FCR =
Note:
FCR : Feed Conversion Ratio
Wt : Final fish weight (g)
W0 : Initial fish weight (g)
D : Total of dead fish weight (g)
F
: Amount of feed given (g)
Fish Blood Glucose Levels
Measurement of blood glucose levels of
fish using the Gluco kit Test.
Data analysis
The water physical and chemical values
obtained from each treatment include
temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and
ammonia were analyzed descriptively. Data
on growth, survival, blood glucose levels,
and feed conversion ratio were analyzed by
analysis of variance test at a 95%
confidence level. A further test of Honestly
Significant Difference (HSD test) was
carried out if there was a significant
difference between the mean treatment
values.
RESULTS
Data on absolute weight and length
growth of kissing gouramy fry during the
rearing period with a recirculation system
were presented in Table 1. The data in
Table 1 showed that the highest absolute
growth of cultured fish was found in
treatment P1 with an average absolute
weight growth of 0.55 ± 0.02 g and an
absolute length growth of 0.53 ± 0.04 cm.
Based on the results of growth, it is known
that rearing kissing gourami with a density
of 2 fish/L produces the best growth and is
significantly different when compared to
treatments P3 and P4 (4 and 5 fish/L).
Table 1. Growth of absolute weight and length of
kissing gouramy fry
Average Value of Absolute
Growth
Treatment
Weight (g)
Length (cm)
(HSD0.05 =
(HSD0.05 = 0.10)
0.040)
P1
0.55 ± 0.02c
0.53 ± 0.04b
b
P2
0.49 ± 0.01
0.47 ± 0.03ab
a
P3
0.44 ± 0.01
0.41 ± 0.03a
a
P4
0.43 ± 0.00
0.38 ± 0.03a
Note: Means followed by different superscript letters
in the same column show significantly different
results at the 5% level.
The survival rate of kissing gourami at
the end of the rearing period showed that
the treatment with a density of 2 fish/L
gave a higher survival rate than the other
treatments (Table 2). However, the results
of the analysis of variance showed that the
treatment had no significant effect on the
survival rate of kissing gourami.
Table 2. The survival rate of kissing gourami fry
Treatment
Survival Rate (%)
P1
86.67 ± 2.35
P2
85.56 ± 1.57
P3
83.33 ± 1.17
P4
82.00 ± 0.00
The feed conversion ratio at the end of
the rearing showed that the treatment with a
density of 2 fish/L resulted in a low feed
conversion ratio value of 1.29 and the
highest feed conversion at P4 (5 fish/L)
with a value of 2.03 (Table 3). The results
of the HSD test showed that the treatment
of P4 was significantly different from the
other treatment.
Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal : Journal of Suboptimal Lands 11(2) Oktober 2022
Table 3. Feed conversion ratio
Feed Conversion Ratio
(HSD 0.05 = 0.54)
Treatment
P1
1.29 ± 0.057a
P2
1.55 ± 0.13ab
P3
1.82 ± 0.09ab
P4
2.03 ± 0.34b
Note: Means followed by different superscript letters
in the same column show significantly different
results at the 5% level.
The blood glucose level of the kissing
gourami fry at the end of the rearing
showed that the treatment with a density of
2 fish/L resulted in the lowest blood
glucose level of 52.55 mg/dL and was
significantly different from the other
treatments (Table 4). The highest blood
glucose levels were found in the treatment
with a density of 4 fish/L (P4) which
reached 95.66 mg/dL.
Table 4. Blood glucose level of kissing gourami fry
Treatment
Blood Glucose Level (mg/dL)
End Rearing
Initial
(HSD0.05 = 11.78)
P1
P2
P3
52.55 ± 0.955a
50.67
65.22 ± 3.55b
85.33 ± 1.44cd
P4
95.66 ± 7.24d
Note: Means followed by different superscript letters
in the same column show significantly different
results at the 5% level.
The
results
of
water
quality
measurements which include temperature,
pH, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia are
presented in Table 5.
Table 5. Water quality during the rearing of
aquaculture fry
Range
Optimum
Variable
Value
Range*
OC
Temperature ( )
28.3−30.5
20−35
pH
5−9
6 −7.9
Dissolved oxygen
>3
(mg/L)
3.11 – 6.54
Ammonia (mg/L) 0.10− ≤ 0.25
<1
Note: *: Arifin et al. (2017)
151
DISCUSSION
Differences in fish density during the
rearing period caused a significant effect on
the growth of absolute weight and length of
kissing gourami. An increase in the density
of kissing gourami during rearing showed
the opposite pattern to the growth of
absolute weight and absolute length of
kissing gourami at the end rearing. This is
related to the competition for higher space
utilization so that it will trigger higher
stress levels. According to Rahmawan et al.
(2020) stress from high stocking densities
can increase energy requirements for
maintenance so as to reduce energy for
growth. The energy used by fish to
maintain this homeostatic condition will be
higher if the physiological load is greater
due to the higher density of fish. Mukti et al.
(2019) stated that growth occurs when there
is an excess of energy from the feed
consumed by fish after the needs for
metabolism are met. As the density
increased, the growth of absolute weight
and absolute length of kissing gourami fry
decreased.
The existence of competition in the
utilization of higher space and feed capacity
in fish culture with higher density will
cause the allocation of energy needed in the
homeostatic process is greater. Such
conditions can trigger stress in fish that will
cause a decrease in survival. Raharjo et al.
(2016) stated that high density makes the
space for the fish narrower, thus placing an
excessive burden on the fish. The impact of
this
stress
can
cause
decreasing
physiological performance until the death.
Based on observations during the rearing
period, it was shown that the feed
conversion ratio increased with increasing
density. Raharjo et al. (2016) stated that at a
lower density will result in higher growth
due to lower feed competition, so that the
energy allocation for growth will be greater.
This is associated with a lower feed ratio
value. The lower of the feed conversion
ratio value showed the better utilization of
feed for growth. According to Fry et al.
152
Tansuka et al.: The Optimatization of Kissing Gourami
(2018) the value of a fairly good feed
conversion ratio in cultured fish generally
ranges from 1.0 to 1.4.
On the other hand, the growth of
cultured fish is closely related to the
physiological conditions and aquaculture
environment.
The
results
of
the
measurement of blood glucose levels of
kissing gourami showed that it increased
with increasing density. Prihadi et al. (2017)
stated that an increase in density can cause
stress, which is indicated by an increase in
blood glucose levels, so that it can inhibit
growth and even death. According to
Andrade et al. (2015) fluctuations in blood
glucose levels in fish indicated the ability of
fish to use energy sources from glucose to
maintain their ideal conditions against the
burden
of
changing
environmental
conditions. This is influenced by several
factors, including the duration and intensity
of the stressor, species, stadium, and
endurance of the fish itself.
The results of the physical and chemical
water measurement showed that the
management of the water quality of the
culture media during the rearing period had
been able to support the survival of kissing
gourami which was quite high. Arifin et al.
(2017) stated several physical and chemical
water values in kissing gourami culture
media that can support optimal survival, for
temperature was 25−30ºC, pH was 5−9,
dissolved oxygen was > 3 mg/L, and
ammonia was < 1 mg/L.
CONCLUSSION
The optimum density for rearing kissing
gourami fry (size 4.0 ± 0.5 cm) with a
recirculation system for 21 days, which
resulted in the highest survival and growth
as well as the lowest glucose level and feed
conversion ratio was 2 fish/L.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to thank to the
Aquaculture and Experimental Pond
Laboratory for supporting all facilities, and
to all parties who have helped carry out this
research.
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