THE EFFECT OF TOFU DREGS AND CUCUMBER ON THE GROWTH OF TUBIFEX WORMS (Tubifex sp.)

Abstract

Tubifex worms (Tubifex sp.) are high-protein natural feed organisms for fish fry, and the use of tofu dregs and cucumber as a culture medium may support their growth. This study aimed to determine the effect of using tofu dregs and cucumber as a culture medium on the growth of Tubifex worms. Tubifex worms are a protein-rich natural feed widely used in fish and shrimp farming, especially during the larval stage. Tofu dregs, a solid by-product of the tofu industry, contain protein and fiber, while cucumber has a high water content and contains minerals that may support substrate moisture and quality. The study was conducted experimentally using a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments: A (100% tofu dregs), B (85% tofu dregs + 15% cucumber), C (75% tofu dregs + 25% cucumber), and D (65% tofu dregs + 35% cucumber), with three replications for each treatment. The parameters observed included absolute biomass growth (g), individual abundance (individuals/L), and water quality (temperature and pH). Treatment C produced the highest average biomass growth (62.00 g) and individual abundance (89.22 individuals/L). These results indicate that a combination of 75% tofu dregs and 25% cucumber was the optimal medium formulation for supporting the growth of Tubifex sp. The use of organic materials such as tofu dregs and cucumber in Tubifex worm culture may provide an efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative for natural-feed production.