The anti-leech potential of Turmeric (Curcuma domestica) Juice against Sea Leech in Cantang Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus >< Epinephelus lanceolatus)

Abstract

One of the diseases that attacks and disrupts productivity in hybrid grouper cultivation (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus >< Epinephelus lanceolatus) is caused by the sea leech parasite (Zeylanicobdella sp.). To control parasite attacks, safe and easy control measures need to be taken, one of which is the application of turmeric juice to soak fish infected with leeches. Therefore, research must be conducted to test the most effective concentration and soaking time of turmeric (Curcuma domestica) juice to reduce the intensity of sea leech attacks on hybrid grouper fish. This study was to test differences in turmeric juice concentration using a completely randomized factorial design consisting of 2 factors, namely the turmeric juice concentration factor (0 mL/L, 0.6 mL/L, 0.9 mL/L and 1.2 mL/L seawater) and immersion time factor (30 and 60 minutes) with eight treatments and three replications. The research results showed that the most effective reduction in intensity after soaking with turmeric juice was at a concentration of 1.2 mL/L of seawater for 60 minutes at 24.00%. The interaction between the concentration and soaking time of turmeric juice reduced the intensity of parasites but did not affect the behaviour and survival of the fish. Turmeric juice has the potential as an anti-leech and can be applied in grouper cultivation to reduce the intensity of leech infections.