Abstract:
This study was aimed at determining the best performance of the addition of Kelakai (Stenochlaena
palustris) in commercial pellets as immunostimulant to increase the Snakehead’s immune system. Sampling,
extraction and measurement were carried out in the Wet Laboratory Faculty of Marine and Fisheries ULM
and related institutions. A total of 240 individuals of Snakehead fingerlings (15-25 cm total length and 25-100
g weight) subjected to different feeding levels were investigated in 12 circle containers. A complete random
design was used as a research method with four treatments and three repetitions. Treatment A: 0 ml/kg of
pellet (control), treatment B: 50 ml/kg, treatment C: 100 ml/kg, and treatment D: 150 ml/kg. The results
showed that the survival rate of Snakehead samples reared in indoor containers was 100% for all treatments.
The best performance for Snakehead was given by treatment C in term of hemoglobin (10.3 ± 23.29 g/dl),
hematocrit (24.32 ± 10.66%) and blood plasma (75.68 ± 10.66 g/ml). The iron compound in the tested feeds
and in the fish meats of Snakehead were ranged of 24.35 - 28.01 mg/kg and 1.76-3.08 mg/kg respectively.
Snakehead in treatments A, B and C showed negative allometric growth pattern (b = 1.89 - 2.48), while for
treatment D exhibited isometric growth pattern (b = 2.96). Water quality parameters were in tolerance range
for fingerlings rearing period: temperature was 26.5 -27.1 ºC, pH 6.3 - 6.7, DO 4.1 - 5.1 ppm, and Ammonia
1.20- 2.88 mg/l. This study is the first reference for assessing the effect of Kelakai extracts to the immune triggering response in Snakehead. The outcome of research could be useful for aquaculture management
system and pellet industry.
