The Potential of Nereis sp. (Polychaete) as Prawn Feed at the Coastal Farming of Jeruklegi, Cilacap

Abstract

Nereis sp. (Polychaete) belongs to the Nereidae family that lives as benthic organisms in estuarine. The high level of amino acid and unsaturated fatty acid in Nereis sp. is potentially used as a nutrient in prawn feed. These compositions increase the quality of prawn gametes and larvae. However, there is still less information about the nutrient composition of Nereis sp. in the Jeruklegi area. Therefore, a study about nutrient composition (chemical composition) of Nereis sp. in this area was conducted to provide necessary information for the Nereis sp. culture in the future. This study used a survey method, and sampling was conducted in four stations with three replications at each three-sampling point in each station. The result showed no significant differences in protein and fat composition of Nereis sp. among stations. The protein contents ranging from 42.06 to 51.68%, and fat content range from 12.93 to 22%. The high content of both protein and lipid are reliable to fulfill the requirements in prawn farming. Therefore, Nereis sp. from Jeruklegi has a high potential to be utilized as a new food resource on prawn farming.