PERFORMANCE OF RED TILAPIA IN THREE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SALINITY
ABSTRACT: Tilapias are
indigeneous species to Africa, but interest in their aquaculture potential has
led to nearly worldwide distribution of the species within the past fifty
years. Themost popular species of tilapias cultured in the world is Oreochromis
niloticus. Red tilapia, one of tilapia varieties, is a highly valued commodity
in global market. Based on this reason, red tilapia culture should be developed
to supply the market demand. Tilapias can be culturred in brackishwater ponds
due to its tolerant ability to saline water. This study was carried out to know
the potential of tilapia especially the NIFI red tilapia cultured in saline
water. The seeds of NIFI red tilapia were reared in threelevels of salinity,
i.e. 10, 20, and 30 ppt with 0 ppt as the control population. Theexperiment was
conducted in wet laboratory for 56 days. The results showed that the difference
of salinity level did not affect the performance of NIFI red tilapia, including
specific growth rate, survival rate, total biomass, and food conversion ratios.
Based on these results, it is suggested that NIFI red tilapia can be cultured
insaline waters.
KEYWORDS: NIFI red tilapia,
salinity level, performance
Author: Didik Ariyanto and
Muslikhin
Journal Code: jpperikanangg110015
