Effects of extract of betel leaf (Piperaceae) against ectoparasite “ich” on pangasius catfish

Abstract

Background and Objective: Freshwater fish aquaculture in Indonesia has grown rapidly, especially the aquaculture of catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). This species is very good because it is fast-growing and very popular in the market and is important for national food security in many Asian countries. One of the problems faced by freshwater fish aquaculture is ectoparasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infection, which often results in significant economic losses to freshwater fish aquaculture. This study aimed to check the effect extract of betel leaf against the ectoparasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in pangasius catfish in an eco-friendly manner. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 fishes with a mean weight of 4.17±0.96 g and a length of 8.5±0.67 cm were examined. Preliminary research was carried out to detect ectoparasites in fish. All fish was infected with ectoparasitic Ich (100%) and were identified as a salt-like granule white spot and a large C-shaped macronucleus. Infected fishes were transferred and equally distributed to the tank (20 L water) which had previously been treated with betel leaf extract for 24 hrs, 3 days, at doses 2.5, 5 and 7.5 g LG1 and control. Results: The results showed that the betel leaf extract solution effect decreased significantly to the number of ectoparasites Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, both in mucus and pangasius catfish and a dose of 7.5 g LG1 was the optimum dose. Conclusion: Betel leaf extract has the potential to control the decrease in the number of ectoparasites, though further phytochemical studies will need to be performed.