Effect of salinity on growth and benefit-cost ratio of Asian seabass reared in artificial media

Abstract

Research on Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) cultivation in artificial media is required for its cultivation far from the coastal area. Thereby, fish farmers living far from the coast can cultivate Asian seabass for its high selling value. This study evaluated the effect of salinity on the growth and benefitcost ratio (BCR) of Asian seabass. This experimental study was conducted in fiber tanks in the indoor laboratory for 30 days. The Asian seabass juveniles in this study had an average weight of 55.65 g with a rearing density of 25 fish m-3. The 3 treatments given were salinity of 5 ppt (treatment A), salinity of 15 ppt (treatment B), and salinity of 30 ppt (treatment C). Asian seabass were fed with commercial feed (pellets) with a minimum of 52% crude protein. A water recirculation system was applied to maintain water quality during the experiment. Weekly measurements of dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and salinity of the experimental media were carried out. Statistical analysis was performed for data analysis. The results indicate a significant effect of different treatments of salinity on fish growth, food conversion ratio, and benefit-cost ratio. This study showed that treatment A exhibited the best results