Optimizing Growth and Survival of Indonesian Tigerfish (Datnioides microlepis) Through Stocking Density in Sustainable Recirculating Systems

Abstract

The Indonesian Tigerfish (Datnioides microlepis) is one of over a hundred ornamental fish species native to Indonesia and is specifically endemic to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Due to high demand, millions of juveniles are captured from the wild and exported globally, particularly to China. This study examines the rearing of Datnioides microlepis fingerlings in a recirculating aquaculture system, testing different stocking densities to determine their effects on growth and survival. Over an eight-week period, experiments were conducted in tanks measuring 25x15x20 cm, using a recirculated water system. Fingerlings were collected from the local fishermen at the Kapuas River in West Borneo. Three stocking densities were tested: A (5 fish/L), B (10 fish/L), and C (15 fish/L). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, with results presented as mean ± SD and a significance level of 0.05. The highest performance was observed at density C, with a survival rate of 96.7%, an average growth of 5.82 ± 0.16 cm, and a body weight of 3.97 ± 0.26 g.