Effect of Different Bottom Substrates on Survival Rate and Growth of Juvenile Sea Cucumber (Holothuria scabra) Cultured in Tanks

Abstract

     A study was performed to evaluate the effect of different bottom substrates on survival rate and growth of juvenile sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) cultured in tanks. Experiment consisted of 4 treatments namely sandy substrate, muddy substrate, sand+mud sustrate mix with 1:1 ratio, and brick substrate. Each treatment was repeated three times. Juvenile sea cucumbers with mean initial weight and length of 3.51 ± 0.14 g and 4.35 ± 0.51 cm, respectively, were kept in the 250 - L tank and provided with slightly continuous aeration at salinity of 30 ppt, and stocking density of 30 individuals/m². After 75 days of culture, survival rate of sea cucumber in sandy, muddy and sand+mud substrates was in the range of 94.4 - 100%, and not significantly different (p > 0.05). Particularly, the sea cucumber in the brick treatment experienced gradual mortality with time and complete death at day 62 of culture. The highest specific growth rate and daily growth rate in terms of length and weight of H. scabra in the sandy treatment was observed, and significantly different (p < 0.05) from other substrates. The results suggest that sandy substrate was most suitable while the brick was not appropriate for juvenile of sea cucumber H. scabra. Moreover, H. scabra could live and develop on the sand+mud and muddy substrates in tank conditions.