Vertebral ossification, growth, and survival of nilem carp, Osteochilus hasselti larvae using shell flour of local mussel, Pilsbryocancha exilis

Abstract

Nilem carp is one of the local freshwater fish species in Indonesia that has an economical value. The present study was to determine the optimal of water hardness level on the vertebral ossification, growth, and survival of nilem carp larvae. The four treatments of hardness level with 3 replicates applied using A) 80 mg/L (control), B) 100 mg/L, C) 120 mg/L, and D) 140 mg/L on one day old. Larvae were reared in the fiber tanks with the density of 40 larvae/L fed with artemia and artificial diet. The parameters observed were the vertebrae ossification, absolute length, absolute weight, and survival. The result showed that the best vertebrae ossification, absolute length, absolute weight, and survival was found at water hardness with concentration of 120 mg/L compared to the others treatments (P<0.05) under optimal range of temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen during the rearing period. The use of shell flour of local mussel (P. exilis) in the rearing water media is very important to support vertebrae ossification, growth, and survival of nilem carp larvae.