GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF AMPHIPODS (Phronima sp.) CULTURED UNDER LOW-SALINITY CONDITIONS WITH DIFFERENT SALINITY LEVELS

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of different salinity levels on the growth and survival rate of Amphipoda (Phronima sp.) cultured under low-salinity conditions and to identify the most optimal salinity level for cultivation. The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of four salinity treatments, namely 15 ppt, 10 ppt, 5 ppt, and 0 ppt, with four replications each. Parameters observed included egg production, number of juveniles, population density, survival rate (SR), proximate analysis, and water quality. The results showed that salinity differences significantly affected the growth and survival of Phronima sp. The 15 ppt treatment produced the best results in terms of egg production, juvenile number, population density, and survival rate, while the 0 ppt treatment showed the lowest values for most observed parameters. The survival rate during the maintenance period ranged from 60.8% to 86.1%, with the highest value obtained at 15 ppt salinity. Proximate analysis also revealed that the 15 ppt treatment had higher protein and lipid contents compared to the other treatments. During the culture period, water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, ammonia, and phosphate remained within suitable ranges to support the growth and survival of the organisms. Based on the results, a salinity level of 15 ppt was considered the most optimal condition for culturing Phronima sp. under low-salinity conditions and has potential as an alternative natural feed source in aquaculture.