Optimizing JICA Tilapia Larvae Production: Effect of Egg Density in Controlled Hatching at Jambi Peatland Hatchery

Abstract

Sustainable aquaculture is crucial for environmental and economic stability in tropical regions. JICA tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) aquaculture development in Sumatran peatlands requires sustainable fry. This study aimed to analyze the optimal egg density to maximize larval production in a controlled hatchery environment. Utilizing a randomized experimental approach, we obtained eggs from naturally spawned tilapia, hatched in a funnel container (top diameter 30 cm; bottom diameter 15 cm; height 50 cm; water volume 10 L) within a 5 x 10 x 1 m3 tub filled with 90 cm of water using a recirculation system. We compared two densities: 2,000 eggs/L water and 3,000 eggs/L water. The findings of our study indicate that the difference in hatching rate between egg densities of 2000 eggs/L and 3000 eggs/L was not significant at the 95% confidence level (p> 0.05). Increasing the egg density to 3000 eggs/L does not significantly reduce the hatching rate, making it possible to consider higher densities without significant risks to larval production. This offers a model that can be replicated in similar tropical peatland environments.