Effect of salinity on survival and growth of Sea cucumber, Stichopus sp. Juvenile

Abstract

Sea cucumbers live in ponds and coastal with different salinity. This study aims to determine the range of salinity to support the growth and survival of sea cucumber juveniles. The research container used was a transparent fiberglass tank with a capacity of 30 L as many as 8 tanks. Sea cucumber juveniles used were 4 individuals /tank with an average size between 55-68 mm. Each tank was equipped with a plastic bottle filled with coral fragments and white sand as a water filter for water recirculation. Water changes were carried out every 2 days as much as 16 %. The treatment given were salinity: A. 25±2 ppt, B. 30±2 ppt, C. 34±2 ppt (sea water), D. 40±2 ppt. Acclimatization of sea cucumber juveniles against salinity treatment was carried out in 3 days. The research design was a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 2 replications. The results showed that sea cucumber juveniles could live in the salinity range of 30 to 40 ppt. The salinity has a significant effect on survival and growth rate, even the lowest survival is found in salinity of 25 ppt and juveniles were seen to be experiencing health problems.