Study of Life Feed in Cantang Grouper Hatcheries (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x Epinephelus lanceolatus)

Abstract Cantang grouper ( Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x Epinephelus lanceolatus ) is a cross between female tiger grouper ( Epinephelus lanceolatus ) and male tiger grouper ( Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ), according to statistical data from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) it has a production value of 4,406 tons in 2022 and experienced an increase in growth of 33.92%. Fulfilling this need can be done by maximizing the hatchery process, the key to which is natural food, namely for broodstock (flying fish, tuna and squid) and larvae (chlorella, artemia, rotifers, rebon shrimp). The aim of this article is to study natural feed in the hatchery of cantang grouper ( Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x Epinephelus lanceolatus ). This study was conducted at the Pecaron Brackish Water Aquaculture Fisheries Center (BPBAP), Situbondo, East Java on 19 June - 19 August 2023. The work method used was a descriptive method with primary and secondary data collection. The study results showed that the Hatching Rate (HR) was 73.25%, the Survival Rate (SR) was 15.98%, the Specific Grow Rate (SGR) was 0.24 g/day. Water quality measured is temperature ranging from 28-30°C, pH between 7.78-8.44, salinity between 31-32 ppt, dissolved oxygen (DO) between 5.72-6.20 mg/L, ammonia between 0.001-0.031 mg/L, nitrite is 0.001 mg/L. Natural feed has complete amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes and minerals which function in the maturation of the parent gonads and larval growth.