Growth and reproduction performance of sea cucumber (Stichopus sp.) fed with different feed regime

Institute for Mariculture Research, Development and Fisheries Extension, Gondol-Bali, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: mahasetiawati@yahoo.com

Abstract

Growth and reproduction performance of sea cucumber (Stichopus sp.) fed with different feeding regimes. This study aims to know the effects of different feeding regimes on sea cucumbers' growth and gonad development. Sea cucumbers used in this experiment were collected from the natural habitat in Northern Bali waters. Five individuals of sea cucumber (BW 334 ± 58 g; TL 22,5± 3,5 cm) were placed in each of four concrete tanks size 0,85 x 2 x 0,5 m³ with flow-through water systems. There were two feeding treatments in this study: A) fresh benthos and B) a combination of fresh benthos and seaweed (Ulva and Sargassum). Feed was given as much as 2.5 to 5 %, once in the afternoon. Observed variables were the growth and gonad stage and the weight at the end of the experiment. The study showed that the different feeding regimes significantly influenced the sea cucumber growth and gonad weight, but not the gonad stage. Sea cucumber fed with a combination of benthos and seaweed performed better growth and higher gonad weight. The difference in the feed did not affect gonad development.